In Chernihiv region, the SBU exposed crypto miners who connected their equipment to a substation. In this way, the offenders stole electricity. Such activity also posed a threat to operation of regional critical infrastructure facilities. In particular, this substation supplies electricity to Nizhyn Ambulance Station, Nizhynvodokanal, etc.

For two months, the illegal activity caused state losses amounting to over UAH 3 m. (USD 111,111).

SBU officers found that the organizers had arranged a large mining farm. They placed the equipment in rented warehouses and illegally connected to a nearby substation.

To conceal unlawful activity, the offenders intervened in the accounting system using specialized equipment. Such actions could lead to power outages.

During the searches, law enforcement officers seized:

• over 150 units of mining equipment;
• specialized equipment for intervention in the network of automated electricity metering.

Criminal proceedings are ongoing for misappropriation, embezzlement or conversion of property by malversation; theft of water, electrical or thermal energy through its unauthorized use.

Investigative actions are ongoing.

The operation was carried out by the SBU Office in Chernihiv region under the coordination of the SBU Main Department for CI Protection of the State Economic Interests under the supervision of the Dniprovskyi District Prosecutor's Office in Kyiv.