Russia’s New Crypto Law Could Send Unregistered Miners to Prison for 5 Years

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Russia is tightening its grip on crypto mining and this time, the consequences are serious.

Just weeks after officially legalizing cryptocurrency mining, the Russian Ministry of Justice has proposed new criminal penalties targeting miners who operate outside the system. If approved, illegal crypto mining could carry fines, forced labor, and even prison sentences of up to five years.

Russia Targets Unregistered Crypto Miners

The proposal, published on Russia’s official legal draft portal, introduces a new article to the Criminal Code: Article 171

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Legal Mining Comes With Rules

Russia legalized crypto mining on November 1, 2024, but with strict conditions. On the same day, the Federal Tax Service launched official registries for miners and mining infrastructure operators.

As of the end of May 2025, more than 1,000 miners were registered. All miners, including individuals and businesses, must report their mined digital assets every month through their tax accounts.

Enforcement Is the Next Step

In early December, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the government plans to introduce criminal liability for illegal mining in 2026.

The direction is now clear. Crypto mining is allowed in Russia but only for those willing to operate openly, register, and report. Those who don’t may soon face more than just fines.

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