The Cyber Security Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs reports on the identification of yet another unregistered mining farm in Andijan.
The discovery took place during a joint operation involving law enforcement officials and energy sector authorities in the vicinity of the city. A local resident, identified as 29-year-old K.B., was found to have illicitly connected 21 cryptocurrency mining installations to the power grid.
The estimated damage resulting from the unauthorized energy consumption is valued at UZS 900mn ($16,208). In response, a criminal case has been initiated against K.B. under Article 185−2 of the Criminal Code, specifically for the violation of electricity usage regulations, as opposed to Article 169 pertaining to theft.
Under the current charges, the suspect could face a fine ranging from 300-500 times the minimum wage (equivalent to UZS 102mn-170mn / $8,266 - $13,776) or a two to three-year period of restriction or imprisonment. Additionally, the accused may avoid restriction or imprisonment if compensation for damages is made.
As per the Prosecutor General’s Office, between the beginning of the year and December 5, a total of 26 "gray" mining farms were identified throughout Uzbekistan, collectively consuming 29 mn kWh of electricity, equivalent to the monthly consumption of 145,000 households. The overall cost of illegally used energy was calculated at UZS 58.2bn ($4.7mn). Consequently, 29 individuals faced charges under Article 169 of the Criminal Code, related to theft.
Earlier, it was reported that in Samarkand, authorities have uncovered an illicit cryptocurrency mining operation in a residential property, causing significant financial losses estimated at UZS 2.5bn ($201,896).
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