[Russia Proposes Legislation to Crack Down on Illegal Mining, 13 Regions Banned Until 2031] The Russian government has submitted a bill to the State Duma, proposing criminal penalties for illegal cryptocurrency mining activities. Violators could face fines of up to 2 million rubles (approximately $25,000) and up to 5 years of imprisonment. Currently, around 50,000 individuals and entities are engaged in mining, but fewer than 1,500 are officially registered. Russia has already imposed a complete ban on mining in 13 regions, including the Republic of Buryatia in Siberia and the Trans-Baikal Territory, with the ban set to last until 2031. The Moscow Region's Energy Minister has suggested banning mining in the capital and the Moscow Region, citing local electricity consumption of approximately 1GW and claiming it provides no substantial economic benefit. Previously, Russia required mining operators to register with the Federal Tax Service and pay taxes in accordance with the law.