Russia is taking a strict stance on regulating crypto miners in an attempt to put an end to illegal mining and grid strains.
The nation’s finance ministry has approved a new rule that requires network IP addresses to be included in official crypto mining registries. The move comes as a measure by the government’s heightened oversight of illegal mining operations.
According to the official announcement, which came on Monday, the registry system managed by the Federal Tax Service (FTS) will be made mandatory for all entities that operate as miners or as mining infra structures in Russia.
FTS to keep crypto mining data private
The Federal Tax Service will keep separate registries for crypto miners and mining operators, and only a limited set of authorities will be able to access the data. None of this information will be made public. The authorities that will get access to the data will include state agencies, courts, the Central Bank of Russia, and power grid operators.
Apart from registering the general information on mining business, the new guidelines will now require the registration of IP addresses of miners, which will give additional insight into mining for regulation purposes and also enable the regulators to reconcile the data supplied by the miners with reality.
After legalization of crypto-mining in 2024, the Russian authorities have been struggling to include more operators within the framework of official registration, but most of them remain off the books. According to various estimates, unregistered mining resulted in tax losses worth $122 million.
Incorrect information can lead to severe penalty
Entities that provide incorrect information, break antitrust rules, or violate other requirements will be removed straight away from the registry.
Once that happens, miners and mining operators will lose their legal right to continue operations, since unregistered mining is generally not allowed under Russian law.
The Ministry of Finance says the updated system is meant to improve monitoring of financial risks, compliance, and electricity use linked to mining activity.
Grid operators will also get access to this data because mining can put heavy pressure on local power networks and needs closer tracking.
At the same time, Russia has already introduced mining bans in 10 energy-stressed regions. Over time, new amendments have steadily tightened the rules, leaving less and less room for informal or unregistered mining to continue.
New law comes as Russia tries to balance a sweet yet sour crypto view
Russia uses a highly regulated regime for cryptocurrencies where efforts are made to integrate digital currencies into the existing finance and taxation systems of the state, while prohibiting their usage in domestic payments.
Regulations comprise limitations on individual investment amounts, licensing procedures for intermediary services, comprehensive tax reporting, and prohibition of anonymous transactions.
However, Russia simultaneously seeks to facilitate the usage of cryptocurrencies in international trade operations. In particular, starting from July 1, 2026, cryptocurrency payments will be permitted in foreign transactions. This means that exporters of goods will be able to legally collect cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or stablecoins from foreign counterparties via cryptocurrencies in cases where foreign clients lack access to classical Western banks.
The policy was formulated jointly by the Central Bank of Russia and the Ministry of Finance in the course of a controlled experiment which began in 2024.
While it signals cautious acceptance of crypto in cross-border trade, domestic restrictions remain strict. Illegal crypto intermediation is expected to face penalties starting in mid-2027, reinforcing a gradual but heavily regulated integration of digital assets into Russia’s financial system.