The Tajik parliament has approved a bill imposing up to eight years in prison for miners who mine Bitcoin using stolen electricity. The law will come into force after President Emomali Rahmon signs the document and publishes it in the country’s official newspaper.
According to new provisions in Tajikistan‘s Criminal Code, individuals found operating mining equipment in violation of the law will be fined between 15,000 and 37,000 somoni ($1650-$4000). Members of organized groups face a fine of up to 75,000 somoni ($8250) and a prison term of two to five years. For the theft of electricity on an especially large scale for mining, harsher penalties are prescribed—prison terms of five to eight years.
Tajikistan’s Prosecutor General, Khabibullo Vohidzoda, stated that electricity theft using mining farms has led to shortages in several cities and regions of the country. This situation has forced authorities to impose power supply restrictions and «created favorable conditions for the commission of various crimes.»
According to official estimates, illegal cryptocurrency mining in Tajikistan has caused the state financial losses of approximately 32 million somoni ($3,5 million). Vohidzoda added that some individuals involved imported equipment from abroad, which also violates national legislation.