The Tajikistan parliament has approved revisions to the Criminal Code, introducing Article 253(2), which imposes penalties on miners minting crypto using stolen electricity.
The article stipulates a fine of $1,650 to $8,250 for violators or imprisonment from two to five years. However, for the illegal use of power for crypto mining on an “especially large scale,” the prison term is from five to eight years, per a local media report.
“The illegal circulation of virtual assets facilitates a number of crimes, such as the theft of electricity, material damage to the state, money laundering, and other offences,” Vokhidzoda said. He previously flagged damages from illegal mining operations, causing 32 million somoni (nearly $3.52 million), which led to four to five criminal cases, according to The Diplomat.
Counsel Vokhidzoda also warned that electricity theft by crypto miners in several cities has already contributed to regional power outages.
Besides, following China’s crypto mining ban in 2021, many operators, including those from Russia, moved to Central Asia, attracted by low energy costs and relaxed regulation. As of August 2025, Tajikistan has been pursuing 190 criminal cases related to the illegal use of electricity. Further, the Diplomat report added that these cases involved 3,988 individuals who allegedly caused damages worth $4.26 million.
The Central Asian nation, which sources nearly 95% of its electricity from hydropower, is grappling with winter power pressures with low reservoir and river flows.
