Georgia Cracks Down on Illicit Crypto Mining in Mestia Region

The Georgian government has taken a significant step towards curbing the issue of illegal cryptocurrency mining in the Mestia municipality. Electricity meters will be installed across all villages in the area, creating a measurable baseline for consumption. This move is aimed at preventing unauthorized miners from siphoning power undetected.

The region's power grid has been strained due to illegal mining operations, resulting in frequent outages and higher electricity bills for regular consumers. The government estimates that these operations have drained between GEL 20 million and GEL 25 million annually from the national energy system.