Russian authorities have uncovered an illegal mobile crypto mining operation hidden inside a KamAZ truck in the Republic of Buryatia. According to a report from state-owned news outlet TASS, the operation was discovered during a routine inspection of local power lines in the Pribaikalsky District.
The mining rig was illegally connected to a 10-kilovolt power line, a supply sufficient to power an entire village. Inside the vehicle, authorities found 95 active mining rigs and a mobile transformer station. Before police could arrive, two suspects linked to the setup reportedly fled the scene in an SUV and remain at large.
This is the sixth confirmed case of electricity theft tied to cryptocurrency mining in Buryatia in 2025, according to Rosseti Siberia’s regional energy arm, Buryatenergo.
Illegal Mining Threatens Local Infrastructure
The increasing number of illegal crypto mining operations is placing significant pressure on local power grids. Authorities have warned that unauthorised energy use from such operations can lead to serious consequences, including voltage drops, power overloads, and blackouts in nearby residential areas.
Mining operations are power-intensive by design, requiring stable and high-capacity electricity to maintain profitability. In regions like Buryatia, where energy resources are limited and rural communities depend on consistent power, illegal mining poses a direct threat to public infrastructure.
The regional energy supplier has issued warnings and continues to step up inspections to detect and dismantle rogue mining activities.
Russia Enforces Seasonal and Regional Mining Bans
To address these growing concerns, the Russian government has imposed strict regulations on crypto mining, especially during peak energy consumption periods. In Buryatia, mining activities are prohibited between November 15 and March 15 due to seasonal energy shortages. Only registered companies operating in designated zones such as Severo-Baikalsky and Muisky are permitted to mine during the rest of the year.
Beyond Buryatia, the federal government has introduced broader mining restrictions across multiple regions. In December 2024, Russia officially banned crypto mining during peak winter months in energy-sensitive areas like Dagestan, Chechnya, and parts of eastern Ukraine currently under Russian control. A full ban has already been implemented in the Irkutsk region since April 2025.
Ironically, Irkutsk has long been a hub for Russia’s mining industry due to its historically low electricity rates. It also houses BitRiver’s first and largest data centre, which opened in Bratsk in 2019. However, even major firms are now facing heightened scrutiny and new compliance challenges.
Hackers Exploit Russian Devices for Crypto Mining
While physical mining operations continue to attract attention, Russia is also facing a growing threat from cryptojacking, the unauthorised use of computer systems for cryptocurrency mining.
Cybersecurity firm Kaspersky has identified a hacking group known as “Librarian Ghouls” or “Rare Werewolf” as being behind a wave of attacks targeting Russian users. The group spreads malware through phishing emails disguised as legitimate documents, which, once opened, silently install crypto mining software on the victim’s device.
To avoid detection, the malware disables Windows Defender and schedules mining activities during late-night hours, between 1 am and 5 am. During this window, hackers establish remote access, steal login credentials, and fine-tune the mining process based on the device’s capabilities.
These attacks not only slow down systems but also increase electricity usage, leaving unsuspecting users with inflated power bills and compromised data security.
Russia’s Crypto Mining Future at a Crossroads
The growing crackdown on both illegal mining setups and cryptojacking reflects Russia’s tightening grip on its crypto sector. What was once a booming industry in energy-abundant regions is now under regulatory pressure due to rising energy concerns and security threats.
As authorities expand surveillance and enforcement efforts, miners will need to navigate a more complex and restrictive environment. With energy infrastructure and public welfare at stake, the Russian government appears determined to root out unlawful mining operations, no matter how mobile or covert they may be.
