The Russian government has imposed a complete ban on mining cryptocurrencies in several areas of Buryatia and Transbaikalia since 1 April. The limits will be five years, until 15 March 2031. In Buryatia, 19 districts and Ulan-Ude fell under the ban; in Zabaykalya - 14 districts, 14 districts, Chita, Aginskoye village and ZATO Gorny. Previously, only seasonal restrictions applied in these regions.

At the same time, on 31 March, a bill was submitted to the State Duma for criminal liability for illegal mining and illegal provision of mining infrastructure services. Violators face fines of up to 2 million rubles or imprisonment for up to five years. For organized groups that cause major damage or generate particularly large revenues, more severe penalties are provided. Avoiding criminal liability will be possible with full reparation.

The authors of the initiative explain that the tightening measures are related to the reluctance of miners to register with FNS: out of approximately 50,000 potential market participants, only 1,489 entities are included in the register. The bill is expected to be adopted in the spring session and will take effect on 1 July.