In a recent development, Russian authorities have uncovered an illicit cryptocurrency mining operation in the remote Buryatia region. During a routine power line inspection, officials discovered a truck-based mining rig containing 95 rigs and a mobile transformer. This discovery was made near Lake Baikal. Authorities from Rosseti Siberia’s Buryatenergo unit identified the illegal operation during grid inspection. Although stolen electricity from a 10-kilovolt line was being used for Bitcoin and Ethereum mining, the investigation is ongoing. Notably, no immediate market impact on BTC or ETH prices has been observed so far. This incident reflects the ongoing challenge of regulating illegal mining in Russia’s energy-rich areas. Authorities have faced difficulties with enforcing mining bans during peak usage periods. Despite past instances of similar illicit setups not causing significant price fluctuations, the stress on local infrastructure remains a major concern for officials. While more information regarding the specific consequences is still unclear, the crackdown signals a tightening stance on illegal cryptocurrency mining in Russia, according to reports. You can find further insights on this subject from reputable sources such as Cointelegraph, AINVEST, Chaincatcher and TradingView.