Law enforcement in Sverdlovsk region shut down a concealed cryptocurrency mining installation reportedly operating about 10,000 devices across two towns.

The equipment occupied premises of a former industrial plant in Nizhny Tagil and the nearby town of Kushva, officials said.

Operation and scale

Investigators estimated the operation comprised approximately 10,000 devices, consuming electricity at levels comparable to a small town's typical demand during peak periods.

The equipment was installed across facilities in Nizhny Tagil and Kushva within buildings of a former industrial enterprise, according to the statement.

Concealment methods

Authorities said organizers routed power through an intermediary connection to the grid and manipulated meter readings to disguise the load.

Energy utility specialists participated in the operation with law enforcement, enabling verification of altered consumption patterns and tracing of irregular supply routes.

Legal developments

Three suspects were detained and placed under house arrest, while criminal proceedings were opened on charges related to causing property damage.

Under the relevant criminal statute, those convicted face up to five years of imprisonment, investigators said publicly in a statement.

The joint operation involved the FSB, regional police forces and energy regulators, who coordinated raids and technical inspections at the sites.

Officials did not disclose additional details about potential financial losses, the identity of intermediaries, or the precise duration of the illegal activity.