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<p>Law enforcement authorities in Russia have detained seven employees of Rosseti Moscow Region in connection with illegal cryptocurrency mining activities. The suspects are accused of covertly assisting underground mining operations in the Moscow region, according to the Interior Ministry.</p><p>Investigators report that the detained individuals held positions ranging from field technicians to senior engineers. Authorities believe the group provided paid services to owners of unregistered crypto mining farms, enabling them to operate undetected for an extended period.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="methods-used-to-conceal-mining-activity">Methods used to conceal mining activity</h2><p>According to investigators, the Rosseti employees manipulated electricity consumption data to reduce recorded usage. This allowed mining operators to avoid paying the full cost of power while continuing large-scale operations.</p><p>The alleged assistance included:</p><ul class="wp-block-list"><li>deliberate understatement of meter readings;</li><li>advance warnings about scheduled inspections;</li><li>interference with monitoring procedures;</li><li>ensuring uninterrupted power supply.</li></ul><h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="illegal-mining-sites-operated-for-years">Illegal mining sites operated for years</h2><p>The Interior Ministry stated that two illegal crypto data centers operated in the town of Chekhov since 2024. The facilities were located on private properties and relied on high electricity consumption to run mining equipment.</p><p>Due to the involvement of energy sector employees, the farms avoided detection by regulators. Inspections failed to uncover violations because electricity data had been altered in advance.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="estimated-losses-and-investigation-outlook">Estimated losses and investigation outlook</h2><p>Authorities estimate the preliminary damage caused by the scheme at approximately 10 million rubles. This figure includes unpaid electricity and related infrastructure losses.</p><p>The investigation is ongoing. Officials are examining whether additional employees were involved and whether similar schemes operated in other districts. Regulators continue to tighten oversight of energy consumption as part of broader efforts to combat illegal cryptocurrency mining.</p><p>Read also: <a href="https://ultramining.com/news/en/dagestan-leads-russia-in-illegal-crypto-mining-sites/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Dagestan Leads Russia in Illegal Crypto Mining Sites</a></p>

Russian Grid Workers Accused of Aiding Illegal Mining

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