A mobile cryptocurrency mining operation involves installing mining equipment in portable units like trucks or containers for easy relocation to access cheap electricity. Recently, Russian authorities discovered a KamAZ truck in Buryatia housing 95 mining rigs, secretly linked to the power grid. This incident reflects a growing trend in illegal mining operations, which strain local infrastructure and evade regulations. Russia has implemented seasonal mining restrictions to mitigate energy theft, particularly in regions with subsidized electricity. While illegal operations continue to proliferate, companies like BitRiver operate legally, utilizing renewable energy. However, the rise of digital energy theft by hacker groups complicates the landscape, as they exploit compromised devices for crypto mining without detection. The KamAZ truck case underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement and monitoring to address illegal crypto mining, which can disrupt public utilities and hinder the establishment of a legal, sustainable crypto industry in Russia.

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