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In the Traktorozavodsky district of Chelyabinsk, a mining farm operated for about a month in an apartment within a high-rise building. The equipment was discovered by employees of the management company who were investigating an unusual increase in electricity consumption.
The apartment had been vacant for approximately a year until a woman in her 40s rented it, presenting herself to the owners as a store seller. Initially, there were no complaints about her, according to the management company staff. However, after some time, the organization responsible for the multi-apartment building noted a significant rise in electricity usage for communal needs. In February, the consumption across two entrances was 6,000 kWh, which surged to 19,000 kWh in March.
Management company specialists conducted an inspection and found that cryptocurrency mining equipment was operating on the apartment’s balcony. Preliminary estimates indicated that the mining farm’s activities added approximately 40,000 rubles to the communal energy expenses.
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According to the management company staff, the tenant had illegally connected to the electricity meter through a hole in the storage room. During the inspection of the apartment, makeshift setups made of plywood with soundproof insulation and specialized wiring for ASIC equipment were discovered on the balcony. The woman had changed the locks, making immediate access to the apartment impossible; entry was only achieved in conjunction with the property owners.
The management company drafted a violation report and submitted it to the energy supply organization. The apartment owners are currently awaiting an inspector, who is expected to document the violations and issue a fine.
In November of last year, the Federal Security Service detained four local residents in the Chelyabinsk region for fraudulent activities related to cryptocurrency mining. From November 2024 to April 2025, they allegedly understated meter readings, providing distorted data to the electricity supplier, according to law enforcement. The damage caused by the detained individuals was assessed by energy companies at over 121 million rubles. A criminal case for fraud has been initiated.
The Russian government is preparing to submit a bill to the State Duma that would impose criminal liability for illegal mining. Offenders could face multi-million ruble fines and imprisonment for up to five years.
