Central Asia Faces Surge in Illegal Bitcoin Mining
Central Asia is experiencing a sharp rise in illegal Bitcoin mining. In Tajikistan alone, unauthorized operations caused $3.52 million in electricity theft losses in H1 2025. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan uncovered a two-year scheme stealing over 50 MWh of power, amounting to $16.5 million in damages. This surge in illegal Bitcoin mining is driven by low energy costs, weak regulation, and an influx of miners displaced by crackdowns in China and Russia. Authorities are strengthening legal frameworks, upgrading grid security, and seeking international cooperation to curb electricity theft. The widespread illegal Bitcoin mining threatens grid stability and economic productivity, underscoring the need for robust oversight and clearer crypto policies.
Neutral
The surge in illegal Bitcoin mining in Central Asia primarily affects energy and infrastructure rather than market demand or liquidity. Past regulatory crackdowns—such as China’s 2021 mining ban—led to miner relocation instead of significant price movements. While reduced illicit mining may lower short-term hashrate, network difficulty adjusts and overall Bitcoin supply remains unchanged. Traders are unlikely to shift positions based solely on localized energy theft enforcement. Over the long term, clearer regulations could enhance market confidence in crypto policies, but the immediate impact on BTC price and trading activity is expected to be neutral.