Tajikistan’s Crypto Crackdown: Jail & Fines Await Bitcoin Miners! 🚫💰

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Key Highlights

  • Tajikistan’s lawmakers, ever the guardians of justice, have decided to crack down on Bitcoin miners who siphon electricity like a thirsty man at a well. 🧠⚡
  • Those caught mining on a grand scale might find themselves in prison, where they’ll learn the true meaning of “cold storage.” 🧛‍♂️🥶
  • Officials claim this illegal mining has caused power outages and financial losses so steep, even a camel would blink. 🐪💸

Behold, the tale of Tajikistan’s parliament, which has conjured up new rules to punish those who mine cryptocurrencies using electricity pilfered from the national grid. It’s a tale of crime, punishment, and a dash of hydropower drama. 📜⚖️

Under the new law, violators could face fines ranging from $1,650 to $8,250 or a jail term of two to five years. But if you’re caught doing it on a “especially large scale,” prepare for a five to eight-year vacation in a cell. 🚗🔒

Electricity theft causing major problems

The amendments, reviewed and adopted on December 3, were presented by Attorney General Khabibullo Vokhidzoda, who warned that crypto miners have caused power outages so severe, even the moon blinked. 🌙⚡

“The illegal circulation of virtual assets facilitates a number of crimes, such as the theft of electricity, material damage to the state, money laundering, and other offenses,” said Vokhidzoda, who clearly has a flair for the dramatic. 🎭

Authorities estimate that illegal crypto mining has caused financial damage of 32 million somoni (about $3.52 million), leading to four to five criminal cases. Some miners have reportedly imported equipment from abroad, which breaks national laws. By August 2025, there were 190 criminal cases involving 3,988 people, linked to roughly $4.26 million in damages. That’s enough to buy a small island and still have change left over. 🏝️💸

Thousands of devices connected without permission

Lawmaker Shukhrat Ganizoda said miners often connect thousands of ASIC devices to the electricity grid illegally. “Those committing such crimes seek to use electricity without meters or through other illegal means to produce such assets,” he said. The amendments also aim to stop miners from avoiding taxes and using crypto in ways that bypass state rules. 📉📈

Tajikistan gets almost 95% of its electricity from hydropower, but winter months bring low water levels, which makes power shortages worse. After China banned crypto mining in 2021, some miners from Russia and other countries moved to Central Asia. They were attracted by cheap electricity and relaxed rules, which made illegal mining more common. It’s a tale of greed, gluttony, and a dash of chaos. 🌍💰

The law will take effect once President Emomali Rahmon signs it and it is published in the official gazette. Officials say the rules will protect the electricity system, stop large losses, and make sure crypto mining follows the law. They also hope it will prevent illegal profits and crimes connected to digital assets. A noble goal, though one wonders if the miners will heed the warning-or simply sneak back in under the cover of darkness. 🌑🕵️‍♂️

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2025-12-10 20:21