Share this article
Russian Scientists Arrested for Crypto Mining at Nuclear Lab
Several scientists working at a Russian nuclear weapons research facility have been arrested for mining cryptocurrencies at the site.
Updated Sep 13, 2021, 7:33 a.m. Published Feb 9, 2018, 7:00 p.m.
Make us preferred on Google
Reports suggested that several scientists working at a Russian nuclear weapons research facility have been arrested for mining cryptocurrencies at the site.
Reports from Interfax and the BBC indicate that the unnamed scientists have been handed over to the Federal Security Service (FSB) following the discovery.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
"There has been an unsanctioned attempt to use computer facilities for private purposes including so-called mining," a representative from the Scientific Research Institute for Experimental Physics was quoted as saying.
The scientists reportedly used a supercomputer at the facility to carry out the mining, which is an energy-intensive process by which new transactions are added to a blockchain (while minting new coins in the process as a reward). The research center's security department received an alert that the machine had been connected to the internet (for security reasons, according to the sources, such computers are normally kept offline.)
Interfax added that the scientists are likely to face criminal charges in the wake of their arrests.
Founded in 1947, the Institute is famous for being the site at which the former Soviet Union produced its first nuclear bomb.
Russian nuclear bomb via Shutterstock
More For You
KuCoin captured a record share of centralised exchange volume in 2025, with more than $1.25tn traded as its volumes grew faster than the wider crypto market.
What to know:
- KuCoin recorded over $1.25 trillion in total trading volume in 2025, equivalent to an average of roughly $114 billion per month, marking its strongest year on record.
- This performance translated into an all-time high share of centralised exchange volume, as KuCoin’s activity expanded faster than aggregate CEX volumes, which slowed during periods of lower market volatility.
- Spot and derivatives volumes were evenly split, each exceeding $500 billion for the year, signalling broad-based usage rather than reliance on a single product line.
- Altcoins accounted for the majority of trading activity, reinforcing KuCoin’s role as a primary liquidity venue beyond BTC and ETH at a time when majors saw more muted turnover.
- Even as overall crypto volumes softened mid-year, KuCoin maintained elevated baseline activity, indicating structurally higher user engagement rather than short-lived volume spikes.
More For You
Key bitcoin price levels to watch as downward pressure builds
As bitcoin remains in a downtrend, several technical and onchain levels stand out as critical areas of support.
What to know:
- The 100-week moving average at $87,145 remains the main line of defense.
- Below this, the cost basis of U.S. spot bitcoin ETF buyers at $84,099 has provided support during recent consolidation.
- A sustained break below $80,000 would likely open the door to a revisit of the April 2025 low near $76,000.
Top Stories
