Tajikistan Enforces Criminal Penalties for Crypto Miners Using Stolen Electricity

Tajikistan's parliament has introduced criminal penalties targeting miners who unlawfully use electricity for cryptocurrency mining. This move aims to combat the growing issue of electricity theft amid power shortages in the nation, as well as to address broader concerns regarding illegal financial activities linked to cryptocurrency.

Key Takeaways

Tajikistan’s parliament implemented Article 253(2), imposing fines and prison sentences for miners using stolen electricity.
Offenders face fines of $1,650 to $8,250 or imprisonment from two to five years, escalating to five to eight years for large-scale theft.
The country is dealing with significant winter power shortages, exacerbated by increased illegal crypto mining activities.
As of August 2025, nearly 190 criminal cases related to electricity theft for crypto mining have been initiated, impacting thousands of individuals.

Tajikistan mining

Introduction of Criminal Penalties for Illegal Crypto Mining

The parliament of Tajikistan has recently approved changes to the Criminal Code, adding Article 253(2) to enforce penalties for miners engaging in cryptocurrency activities using stolen electricity. This amendment stipulates that violators could face fines between $1,650 and $8,250, or imprisonment ranging from two to five years. For those involved in large-scale electricity theft for crypto mining, the prison sentences could extend to between five and eight years, as reported by local media outlets.

On December 3, the members of the Tajik parliament deliberated and adopted these amendments, which were articulated by Attorney General Khabibullo Vokhidzoda. He highlighted the detrimental impact of electricity theft by crypto miners in various cities, which has been linked to regional power outages.

“The illegal circulation of virtual assets leads to numerous crimes, including electricity theft, damage to state resources, money laundering, and other illegal activities,” Vokhidzoda stated. He previously cited that illegal mining operations have resulted in damages amounting to approximately 32 million somoni (around $3.52 million), prompting four to five criminal prosecutions, according to The Diplomat.

Addressing Winter Power Shortages in Tajikistan

The Central Asian country, which derives about 95% of its electricity from hydropower, is facing significant winter power shortages due to low river flows and reservoir levels. In light of China’s crypto mining ban in 2021, many operators, including those from Russia, have relocated to Central Asia, lured by lower energy costs and more lenient regulations.

As of August 2025, Tajikistan has initiated nearly 190 criminal cases concerning illegal electricity usage, involving approximately 3,988 individuals and resulting in damages estimated at $4.26 million. Member of Parliament Shukhrat Ganizoda noted that miners are connecting thousands of ASIC crypto mining machines to the national power grid.

“Individuals engaged in these criminal activities seek to utilize electricity without meters or through other illicit means to generate such assets,” he clarified.

Legislative Changes to Impede Tax Evasion and Enhance Regulation

Shukhrat Ganizoda further explained that the new legislation aims to thwart tax evasion schemes and restrict unauthorized electronic encryption. The revisions are also designed to prevent attempts to bypass commodity tracking systems. This piece of legislation will come into effect following the signature of President Emomali Rahmon, solidifying the government's commitment to regulating the cryptocurrency mining sector and safeguarding the country's resources.