Russian Authorities Shut Down Illegal Crypto Mining Farm

A large illegal cryptocurrency mining farm has been discovered and shut down in the Sverdlovsk region of Russia, specifically in Nizhny Tagil and the nearby Kushva area. According to Odaily, the mining operation was concealed within an abandoned industrial park and consisted of approximately 10,000 mining machines. The operation was dismantled by the Russian Federal Security Service, local police, and the power company. Local power companies estimate that the unauthorized electricity usage by the mining farm resulted in losses nearing 1 billion rubles, equivalent to about $12.7 million. Law enforcement has detained three suspects, who are currently under house arrest. They are being investigated for causing property damage through deception or abuse of trust, a charge that could lead to a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Investigations revealed that the operators of the mining farm connected to the power grid through intermediaries and allegedly tampered with electricity meters to conceal the actual consumption. The farm's electricity usage was approximately double the approved limit.