Law enforcement authorities in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic have shut down three illegal crypto farms, with one of them causing an estimated damage of 4.17 million rubles, according to an official press release.

A suspect rented a non-residential facility on the outskirts of a village and installed 186 mining rigs that operated around the clock. Modifications made to the electricity meters allowed for uncontrolled power consumption, said Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs spokesperson Irina Volk.

A criminal case has been initiated against the suspect under Article 165, Part 2 of the Russian Criminal Code for causing significant property damage. The individual has been placed under travel restrictions and is required to comply with court orders.

In another case, police discovered an underground mining farm set up on rented land near the village of Erkason. It housed 25 mining devices.

Additionally, authorities seized 36 mining rigs from a metal shed located on a livestock farm.

In both cases, the equipment was illegally consuming electricity bypassing official metering systems. Legal proceedings are underway.

According to MTS EnergyTool, the total capacity of mining farms in Russia exceeds 11 GW, but only 3 GW operate legally.