Following the recent ban on cryptocurrency mining in several regions in Russia starting in January 2025, State Duma lawmaker Adam Delimkhanov has announced that crypto miners in Chechnya will face severe consequences, being equated with terrorists.
According to a report by Russian news outlet Tsargrad TV, Delimkhanov stated that as of Jan. 1, 2025, cryptocurrency mining will be illegal in the Chechen Republic. Anyone caught mining crypto in the region will be subject to harsh penalties.
Delimkhanov emphasized that the decision to crack down on crypto mining stemmed from concerns about the stability of electricity in the region. The massive energy consumption required for crypto mining operations could potentially disrupt the flow of electricity, affecting the daily lives of citizens.
“We will treat crypto miners as terrorists because their actions have a detrimental impact on society as a whole,” Delimkhanov said, echoing the sentiments of Chechen Head of State Ramzan Kadyrov.
The lawmaker warned that if crypto mining activities lead to electricity shortages in Russian districts, villages, or cities, swift action will be taken to apprehend and prosecute offenders.
It was previously reported that Russian Deputy Energy Minister Evgeny Grabcha announced a ban on Bitcoin mining in key regions due to energy shortages. The ban applies to both individual miners and mining companies in areas such as Dagestan, Chechnya, the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, as well as regions in the Irkutsk Region, Buryatia, and Zabaikalsky during peak hours.
Lawmakers argue that crypto mining has contributed to significant electricity deficits, making it challenging to meet the demand for power until at least 2030. The ban is scheduled to take effect in November and will remain in place until March 15, 2031.
This move follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s approval of a bill that grants authorities the power to ban cryptocurrency mining in specific regions. The legislation also prohibits advertisements for companies offering crypto services and imposes other restrictions on the crypto industry.