Buryatia and Zabaykalsky Krai Ban Bitcoin Mining for Five Years

Russia bans mining in Buryatia and Transbaikalia until 2031.

From April 1, the Russian government imposed a year-round restriction on cryptocurrency mining in several districts of the Republic of Buryatia and the Zabaykalsky Krai. The ban will last for five years, until March 15, 2031.

In Buryatia, the measure applies to 19 districts and the city of Ulan-Ude. In Zabaykalsky Krai, it affects 14 districts, 14 municipalities, Chita, the settlement of Aginskoye, and the ZATO Gorny.

Previously, seasonal mining restrictions were in place here.

The practice of a complete ban on digital currency mining in certain regions has been in effect since December 2024.

Additionally, on March 31, a bill was submitted to the State Duma proposing criminal liability for illegal mining and unauthorized services by operators of specialized infrastructure.

The document suggests penalizing violators with fines up to 2 million rubles and imprisonment for up to five years. Enhanced penalties are proposed for organized groups causing significant damage or deriving substantial income. Criminal liability can be avoided by fully compensating for the damage.

The authors of the initiative justified the need for prison terms by noting that miners are reluctant to register with the FTS. Expert estimates indicate that out of 50,000 potential market participants, only 1,489 entities are registered.

The document is expected to be adopted in the spring session, with its provisions coming into force on July 1.

On March 30, the government approved a package of bills for the legalization of digital currencies and digital rights in Russia. It is planned to be submitted to the State Duma in early April.

ForkLog provided a detailed analysis of its provisions in a special podcast. A text version is also available.