A Nizhny Novgorod miner will be tried for stealing electricity worth 5 million rubles.

      On June 3, 2026, at 17:45, Incidents In Nizhny Novgorod, the investigation into the criminal case against a 37-year-old local resident accused of causing property damage through deception or abuse of trust, as well as illegal drug possession, has been completed. This was reported by the press service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia for the Nizhny Novgorod region. According to the investigation, the previously unconvicted Nizhny Novgorod resident organized a mining farm in his home in the Novinki settlement of the Prioksky district. The man illegally connected to the power grid and installed 22 devices for cryptocurrency mining, despite the existing ban on the use of such equipment. According to preliminary estimates, the local energy company suffered damage amounting to 5,223,416 rubles over several months of the farm's operation. During a search of the suspect's home, police officers also discovered and seized a jar containing a plant-based substance. The examination established that it was cannabis (marijuana) weighing 10.74 grams. At the request of the investigation, a lien was imposed on the property of the accused, valued at 11,909,523 rubles, to ensure compensation for the damage. The seized items included mining equipment, two mobile phones, a laptop, a tablet, a residential house, and a land plot. The criminal case with the approved prosecutor's indictment has been sent to court for consideration on the merits. According to the law, the maximum punishment for the charges against the man provides for up to three years of imprisonment. It was previously reported that Bastrykin became interested in the case of the insane former deputy of Bor. In 2023, he organized a mining farm, illegally connecting to the power grid. The damage he caused to "Rosseti" was estimated at nearly 30 million rubles. However, he was "released" from criminal liability as the court found him insane. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.