Irkutsk power provider caught leasing land to illegal crypto farm
Despite measures to regulate such activities, the region remains attractive to miners due to cheap electricity and low temperatures.

A power provider in Siberia’s Irkutsk region has been caught illegally leasing land to crypto miners, with the plot originally designated for public utilities. The Irkutsk Region Prosecutor-General’s Office announced that the unnamed power company had facilitated the establishment of a crypto mining farm, leading to a fine of 330 thousand rubles (approximately $3,120) and an ongoing administrative case against the firm.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of illegal crypto mining in Russia, particularly in Siberia, where miners are drawn to cheap electricity and low temperatures that reduce cooling costs. However, the increased demand for power has led to grid instability and power outages in the region, prompting Moscow to implement temporary mining bans in some areas. Despite these measures, illegal mining continues to thrive, especially in Irkutsk.
Other parts of Russia, like Tyumen and the Komi Republic, are emerging as alternative hotspots for crypto mining, with new facilities being developed to attract miners. In addition to these developments, Russia’s largest industrial mining firm, BitRiver, is building a new 100MW data centre in Buryatia, set to become the largest in the Far Eastern Federal District. These moves reflect the growing demand for crypto mining infrastructure across the country, despite the regulatory challenges.