Tajikistan Criminalises Illegal Electricity Use for Crypto Mining

On December 3, 2025, Tajikistan’s parliament approved amendments to the criminal code that make the illegal use of electricity for cryptocurrency mining a criminal offense. The changes introduce Article 253(2), formally titled “Illegal use of electricity for the production of virtual assets,” marking a significant escalation in the country’s approach to unregulated mining.

New Law Introduces Heavy Fines and Prison Sentences

Under the legislation, individuals caught mining digital assets with stolen or unmetered electricity face fines ranging from roughly $1,650 to $4,070. Penalties increase sharply if the activity is carried out by an organised group, with fines rising to as much as $8,250 or prison sentences of up to five years. Large-scale or organised operations can result in prison terms of up to eight years.

Authorities Cite Millions in Losses and Grid Damage

Attorney General Habibullo Vohidzoda told lawmakers that illegal mining has already caused regional power outages, infrastructure damage and a rise in related crimes. He said financial losses linked to unauthorised mining had reached about $3.52 million and confirmed that multiple criminal investigations were underway.

Power Shortages Drive Urgency Behind the Crackdown

The move comes amid one of Tajikistan’s most severe energy crises in recent years. The country relies heavily on hydropower, and low reservoir levels have forced electricity rationing during winter months. In many regions, households receive just two to four hours of power per day, intensifying public pressure on authorities.

Lawmakers Warn of Strain From High-Powered Mining Equipment

Members of parliament said illegal mining farms place extreme stress on the national grid. Lawmaker Shukhrat Ganizoda noted that a single ASIC mining device can consume between 3.5 and 6 kilowatt-hours of electricity, meaning large-scale farms running thousands of machines dramatically increase demand. He added that operators often tamper with wiring and meters to avoid paying for power.

Illegal Mining Linked to Financial Crime Risks

Ganizoda also warned that unauthorised mining contributes to tax evasion, untraceable financial flows and potential money laundering. He said the new law is designed not only to protect the power grid but also to safeguard the broader economy and financial system.

Law Awaits Presidential Signature

Once signed by President Emomali Rahmon and published in state media, the amendments will come into force. Under the new rules, mining cryptocurrency with stolen electricity can carry a prison sentence of up to eight years.

Tajikistan Joins Global Crackdown on Energy-Intensive Mining

Tajikistan’s decision reflects a wider international trend as governments reassess crypto mining amid rising energy costs and grid pressure. Countries across Asia and the Middle East have recently shut down illegal mining operations, often treating unauthorised electricity use as theft rather than a regulatory violation.

Energy Security Becomes Central to Crypto Policy

The new law highlights how cryptocurrency mining has evolved into a national infrastructure issue. For countries with fragile power systems, illegal mining not only drains scarce electricity but also damages infrastructure and reduces public revenue, making strict enforcement increasingly unavoidable.

Mining Industry Faces Continued Regulatory Pressure

As penalties tighten in more jurisdictions, analysts expect further migration of mining operations toward regions with surplus or renewable energy. Tajikistan’s approach signals that, where electricity is scarce, governments are prepared to impose criminal penalties to protect energy security.

Tajikistan Sends Clear Warning to Illegal Miners

By criminalising unauthorised mining, Tajikistan has drawn a firm line between innovation and energy abuse. The message is clear: in a country facing chronic power shortages, using stolen or unmetered electricity for crypto mining is now a serious crime with severe consequences.