In a bold move that has sparked controversy and concern among the cryptocurrency community, State Duma lawmaker Adam Delimkhanov has issued a warning that crypto miners in Chechnya will be treated like terrorists in 2025. This announcement comes following the ban on cryptocurrency mining in several regions in Russia, set to take effect in January 2025.
According to reports from Russian news outlet Tsargrad TV, Delimkhanov stated that starting from January 1, 2025, cryptocurrency mining will be deemed illegal in the Chechen Republic. Anyone found engaging in crypto mining activities in the region will face severe punishment, with Delimkhanov equating them to terrorists, as their actions are seen to harm the entire society.
The lawmaker explained that crypto mining poses a threat to the stability of electricity in certain regions, as the high demand for electricity needed to power mining systems could disrupt the flow of electricity and impact the daily lives of citizens. Delimkhanov warned that if crypto mining activities lead to electricity problems in Russian districts, villages, or cities, authorities will respond swiftly and put crypto miners behind bars.
This move comes in the wake of a broader crackdown on cryptocurrency mining in Russia, with Deputy Energy Minister Evgeny Grabcha announcing a ban on Bitcoin mining in key regions due to energy shortages. The ban applies to individual miners and mining companies in areas such as Dagestan, Chechnya, Donetsk, Lugansk People’s Republics, Irkutsk Region, Buryatia, and Zabaikalsky during peak hours. Lawmakers argue that crypto mining has caused significant electricity deficits, making it impossible to provide large power capacities until at least 2030.
The ban on crypto mining is set to take effect in November and will remain in place until March 15, 2031. This move follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s signing of a crypto circulation bill that grants lawmakers the authority to ban cryptocurrency mining in specific regions, along with other restrictions such as prohibiting ads for companies that provide crypto services.
The announcement by Delimkhanov has raised concerns about the future of cryptocurrency mining in Russia and the potential impact on the industry. It remains to be seen how crypto miners in Chechnya and other regions will respond to these strict measures and what implications they will have for the broader cryptocurrency landscape.