Georgia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs says police have seized an additional 76 cryptocurrency mining devices, commonly known as miners, during searches conducted in the Mestia municipality as part of an ongoing investigation into illegal energy consumption.
According to the ministry, law enforcement authorities have now confiscated a total of 330 mining devices in Mestia as evidence. Investigators allege that the equipment was being used to generate cryptocurrency and obtain illegal income through the unlawful consumption of large amounts of electricity.
The ministry said investigative actions are continuing to identify other individuals involved in the scheme and to take appropriate legal measures against them.
The case is being investigated under Article 229 Prima of Georgia’s Criminal Code, which covers the illegal use of electricity, gas, water, heating, or sewage services resulting in significant damage. The offense carries a maximum prison sentence of up to three years. The Interior Ministry has not yet disclosed how many individuals have been charged or detained in connection with the investigation.
