Mining in Russian data centers: fines up to 2 million rubles and equipment confiscation
Russian lawmakers are finalizing the regulatory framework to combat illegal mining in commercial data centers. The State Duma Committee on State Construction and Legislation has approved for the second reading a package of amendments that introduces administrative liability for placing mining equipment and mining digital currencies in data centers (DCs) on Russian territory. The maximum fine for commercial organizations could reach 2 million rubles.
The initiative is taking on clear contours of punishment. Such plans were actively discussed as early as summer 2025. The state is finally closing another popular method for crypto miners to place computing power. This applies not only to the direct installation of ASIC devices but also to indirect participation in mining pools through data center resources.
Essence of the Legislative Changes
The basic bill was submitted for consideration in January by a group of deputies led by the head of the Energy Committee, Nikolai Shulginov. As a result of the review, the Code of Administrative Offenses will be supplemented with a new article that regulates penalties for illegal crypto mining. The latest amendment is directly aimed against the use of commercial platforms.
According to the document, both the direct installation of specialized devices and indirect participation in mining pools through data center resources fall under the ban. The previous logic of regulators can be traced here. The authorities seek to protect the stable operation of legal data centers from miners seeking industry preferences, including preferential technological connection and subsidized energy tariffs.
Amounts of Administrative Fines
The developed sanctions are strictly differentiated depending on the legal status of the violators. Detailed parameters of liability are presented in the table:
| Category of Violators | Monetary Fine | Additional Penalties |
| Individuals | From 100,000 to 150,000 rubles | Mandatory confiscation of equipment |
| Officials | From 300,000 to 800,000 rubles | Disqualification for a period of 1 to 2 years |
| Individual Entrepreneurs | From 300,000 to 800,000 rubles | Suspension of activities for up to 90 days |
| Legal Entities | From 1 million to 2 million rubles | Suspension of activities for up to 90 days |
As a result, the most stringent measures will affect large businesses. Companies will not only have to pay substantial sums but also face a real threat of a complete halt to all operational processes.
Cryptalist Analysis: This step is a logical continuation of the policy of "fencing off" mining into a separate, strictly regulated sector. Using data center infrastructure without special permission and the appropriate tariff is now not only economically disadvantageous but also legally deadly dangerous. We are witnessing a transition from warnings to direct repression, which will unequivocally force small and medium-sized players either to go underground or to fully legalize through the registry. For large industrial miners, on the contrary, this is an additional barrier to entry and a strengthening of their monopoly position.