Bitcoin News Today: Tajikistan Loses $3.52M to Illegal Bitcoin Mining in H1 2025

Tajikistan has revealed that it incurred losses exceeding $3.52 million in the first half of 2025 due to illegal Bitcoin mining activities [1]. The country’s Attorney General, Khabibullo Vokhidzoda, disclosed the figure during a press conference, emphasizing that the losses are attributed to the unauthorized use of electricity by unregulated cryptocurrency operators. These illegal operations have forced the government to bear the financial burden of unpaid energy costs, further straining the already overburdened electricity infrastructure [1].

According to Vokhidzoda, four to five criminal cases have been launched against individuals engaged in illegal mining, indicating the growing scale of the issue [1]. The mining equipment is often smuggled into the country, and operations frequently take place in private homes and businesses. In response, the Prosecutor’s Office of the Sughd region recently uncovered several illegal mining farms, leading to the imposition of penalties on those involved [1].

The government has also intensified penalties for those engaging in unauthorized mining and electricity theft. Under the Criminal Code of Tajikistan, offenders face fines ranging from 27,000 to 90,000 TJS, with potential imprisonment of three to 10 years. Additionally, administrative penalties, set between 1,500 and 22,500 somoni, have been introduced to deter such activities [1].

The electricity debt crisis further exacerbates the situation, with subscribers currently owing 273 million TJS in unpaid electricity bills. Nationally, the electricity debt stands at 4.6 billion TJS, with 1.6 billion TJS attributed to household consumers and the remainder to businesses and organizations [1]. The financial strain on both public and private sectors underscores the urgency for regulatory action.

To address these challenges, the government is reportedly considering new legislation to bring cryptocurrency mining under a legal framework. The lack of regulation has created ambiguity around the legal status of cryptocurrency, complicating enforcement and public understanding of the risks involved. Analysts suggest that a balanced regulatory approach could help manage the environmental and economic costs of mining while still fostering technological innovation [1].

In the short term, Tajikistan is enhancing surveillance and border controls to prevent the importation of mining equipment. Recent enforcement actions have already led to the seizure of 135 mining devices in the Sughd region, recovering over $30,000 in damages [1]. These efforts aim to alleviate power shortages, particularly in rural areas, where illegal mining has worsened electricity supply issues.

Tajikistan’s crackdown on illegal mining reflects a broader trend in the region, with countries like Russia also implementing measures to monitor and control cryptocurrency activities [1]. The situation in Tajikistan highlights the need for governments to address the growing challenges posed by unregulated digital asset mining, balancing the potential benefits of the technology with its economic and environmental costs.

Source: [1] Tajikistan Reports $3.5M Loss from Illegal Bitcoin Mining (https://www.livebitcoinnews.com/tajikistan-reports-3-5m-loss-from-illegal-bitcoin-mining/)