Tajikistan Criminalizes Illegal Electricity Use for Cryptocurrency Mining

TLDR

• Individuals using electricity illegally for crypto face fines from 15,000 to 37,000 somoni.
• Groups committing large-scale offenses risk fines up to 75,000 somoni or 2–5 years imprisonment.
• Organized groups on an especially large scale may face 5–8 years in prison.
• Illegal mining has caused electricity shortages and financial losses exceeding 32 million TJS.

Tajikistan has officially introduced criminal penalties for the illegal use of electricity for cryptocurrency mining. 

The new regulations aim to curb unauthorized electricity consumption by individuals and groups operating mining farms. Offenders face fines ranging from 15,000 to 75,000 somoni or imprisonment for two to eight years.

The amendments were adopted by the Tajik Parliament on December 3 and will enter into force after presidential approval and publication in state records. 

Article 253 (2) of the Criminal Code now specifically addresses illegal electricity use for the production of virtual assets. This article outlines penalties based on the scale of the offense and the organization of the perpetrators.

Fines and Sentences for Individual and Group Offenses

Under the first part of the new legislation, individuals who illegally use electricity for mining face fines between 15,000 and 37,000 somoni. 

These fines are calculated based on 200 to 500 calculation indicators, each valued at 75 somoni in 2025. According to the Prosecutor General, “For individuals who use electricity illegally for cryptocurrency mining, a fine of 200 to 500 calculation indicators is specified, which equates to 15,000 to 37,000 somoni.”

For groups of individuals acting in prior conspiracy and committing offenses on a large scale, penalties increase. Such cases carry fines between 37,500 and 75,000 somoni or imprisonment ranging from two to five years. 

“When a group is involved in the illegal use of electricity, the fine increases to between 500 and 1,000 calculation indicators, and offenders can face imprisonment for up to five years,” explained Shukhrat Ganizoda, a member of the Tajik Parliament.

When illegal electricity use occurs on an especially large scale, organized groups may face prison terms of five to eight years. This addresses situations where multiple mining farms cause substantial damage to the state electricity system. 

Prosecutor General Habibullo Vohidzoda commented, “Organized groups responsible for large-scale theft of electricity for mining will face severe penalties, including up to eight years of imprisonment.”

Authorities Respond to Mining-Related Electricity Theft

Prosecutor General Habibullo Vohidzoda noted that illegal cryptocurrency mining has contributed to various crimes, including electricity theft, state property damage, and criminal proceeds legalization. 

He cited examples where mining farms artificially restricted electricity supply in several regions, creating service disruptions for local populations. “Illegal mining operations have led to electricity shortages, and this restriction severely impacts the population, forcing them to deal with limited access to power,” Vohidzoda added.

Members of Parliament also emphasized the high electricity demands of mining equipment. Deputy Shukhrat Ganizoda explained that ASIC devices, commonly used in mining farms, can consume up to six kWh per unit.

“One of the most common types of equipment used in mining is ASICs, which consume up to 5-6 kWh each. These high power requirements contribute significantly to unauthorized electricity use,” Ganizoda said.

Authorities have also identified cases of imported mining equipment used without proper authorization. The state reported losses of approximately 32 million TJS due to illegal electricity consumption in the past year. 

Vohidzoda added, “The illegal use of imported mining equipment has led to severe electricity shortages and financial losses for the state, amounting to over 32 million TJS.”

“Tajikistan introduces fines and prison for illegal electricity use in crypto mining to ensure proper energy distribution.” 

This legislation follows earlier measures to tighten penalties for electricity payment evasion, which already included fines up to 90,000 somoni and prison terms up to ten years.

The post Tajikistan Criminalizes Illegal Electricity Use for Cryptocurrency Mining appeared first on Blockonomi.