Abkhazia Faces Energy Crisis Amid Cryptocurrency Mining Concerns

According to Odaily, Abkhazian officials have once again blamed cryptocurrency miners for the ongoing energy crisis in the country, warning that emergency power supplies from Russia are nearing depletion. As Moscow's 'humanitarian electricity' supply begins to dwindle, the crisis is expected to peak next month. Timur Dzhindzholiya, head of the power supplier Chernomorenergo, stated that at the current rate of consumption, 'Russian electricity supplies' will only last until February 18. The government of Abkhazia is currently 'unable' to stop cryptocurrency miners. Interior Minister Robert Kiut noted that miners are exploiting 'loopholes to evade the law.' Abkhazian law stipulates that electricity consumption for any landowner should not exceed 300 kilowatts. However, the minister explained that miners can share ownership of larger cryptocurrency farms to 'share consumption' and 'avoid criminal liability.' Residents of Abkhazia believe that 'law enforcement agencies are well aware of the locations and owners of cryptocurrency farms but have not taken any real measures to stop them.'