Russia’s New Crypto Law Could Send Unregistered Miners to Prison for 5 Years
Russia is tightening its grip on crypto mining and this time, the consequences are serious.Just weeks after officially legalizing cryptocurrency mining, the Russian Ministry of Justice has proposed new criminal penalties targeting miners who operate outside the system. If approved, illegal crypto mining could carry fines, forced labor, and even prison sentences of up to five years.Russia Targets Unregistered Crypto MinersThe proposal, published on Russia’s official legal draft portal, introduces a new article to the Criminal Code: Article 171.6, titled “Illegal mining of digital currency and activities of a mining infrastructure operator.”Under the draft law, anyone mining digital assets without being registered could face punishment. The document specifically refers to “conducting digital currency mining by a person not included in the register of persons engaged in digital currency mining.”For basic violations, penalties could include a fine of up to 1.5 million rubles, compulsory labor, or up to two years of forced labor.Higher Profits Could Mean Prison TimeThe law draws a clear line based on the scale of profits.If illegal mining causes “significant damage” or generates income of 3.5 million rubles, criminal liability applies. For cases involving organized groups or profits deemed “especially large” – 13.5 million rubles or more – the punishment becomes much harsher.In those cases, courts could impose fines ranging from 500,000 to 2.5 million rubles, forced labor for up to five years, or prison sentences of up to five years, with additional fines possible.Legal Mining Comes With RulesRussia legalized crypto mining on November 1, 2024, but with strict conditions. On the same day, the Federal Tax Service launched official registries for miners and mining infrastructure operators.As of the end of May 2025, more than 1,000 miners were registered. All miners, including individuals and businesses, must report their mined digital assets every month through their tax accounts.Enforcement Is the Next StepIn early December, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the government plans to introduce criminal liability for illegal mining in 2026.The direction is now clear. Crypto mining is allowed in Russia but only for those willing to operate openly, register, and report. Those who don’t may soon face more than just fines.FAQsCan crypto mining still be legal in Russia? Yes. Mining is legal only if miners register with authorities, follow reporting rules, and operate within the official tax and regulatory framework. What penalties could illegal crypto miners face in Russia? Unregistered miners may face fines up to 1.5 million rubles, forced labor, or prison terms of up to five years for serious cases. When will Russia enforce criminal punishment for illegal mining? Authorities expect criminal penalties for illegal crypto mining to take effect in 2026, following approval of the proposed law.