The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia says investigators have seized an additional 42 so-called mining devices in Mestia municipality as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal electricity consumption linked to crypto mining.
The Ministry says locals were systematically generating digital currency and receiving illegal income through the use of the equipment, which involved the illegal consumption of large volumes of electricity.
“Using the aforementioned devices, locals were systematically generating digital currency and receiving illegal income through illegal and unlawful consumption of large amounts of electricity,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs said.
Law enforcement agencies say they are continuing investigative actions to identify other individuals involved and to take appropriate legal measures.
The case is being investigated under Article 229, Part 2, Subparagraph “b” of the Criminal Code of Georgia, which covers the theft or illegal consumption of electricity or natural gas causing significant damage. The offence carries a penalty of up to three years in prison.
In total, authorities say 254 so-called mining devices have now been seized in Mestia. The crackdown follows comments by Vice Prime Minister Mamuka Mdinaradze, who said metering measures were planned in the area due to excessive electricity consumption linked to illegal crypto mining.
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