Tajikistan eyes 8-year prison terms for Bitcoin mining with stolen power

Tajikistan passes law imposing steep fines and up to 8 years in prison for Bitcoin miners using stolen electricity amid worsening winter energy shortages.

Tajikistan’s parliament has approved legislation imposing prison sentences of up to eight years for individuals who mine bitcoin using electricity illegally obtained from the national grid, according to reports from Asia-Plus.

Tajikistan cracks down on crypto mining

The bicameral parliament recently passed legislative amendments introducing criminal and financial penalties for unauthorized electricity use in digital asset production. The new provisions add a specific article to the country’s Criminal Code targeting the “illegal use of electricity for the production of virtual assets.”

Under the approved measures, individuals caught operating mining equipment in violation of the law face fines ranging from 15,000 to 37,000 somoni. Members of organized groups conducting such activities may be fined up to 75,000 somoni and sentenced to two to five years in prison. Cases involving electricity theft on a “particularly large scale” for mining purposes carry harsher penalties, with prison terms ranging from five to eight years.

Tajikistan’s Prosecutor General, Habibullo Vohidzoda, told parliament that energy theft through mining farms has caused shortages in multiple cities and regions across the country. The situation has forced authorities to impose restrictions on electricity supplies and has “created favorable conditions for the commission of various crimes,” Vohidzoda stated.

The prosecutor general said “the illegal circulation of virtual assets facilitates a number of crimes, such as electricity theft, material damage to the state, money laundering, and other offenses.” Vohidzoda referenced numerous cases of mining farms discovered illegally connected to the power grid nationwide, noting that several investigations have been launched.

Official estimates indicate illicit mining operations in Tajikistan have caused financial losses to the state of approximately 32 million somoni. Vohidzoda added that some individuals involved imported equipment from abroad, also in violation of national legislation.

Tajik lawmaker Shukhrat Ganizoda said the amendments also aim to prevent tax evasion by those engaged in digital asset mining. The changes will enter into force once President Emomali Rahmon signs the approved bill and it is published in Tajikistan’s official gazette.

The Central Asian nation has been grappling with severe energy shortages during winter months, according to the reports.