Illegal Cryptocurrency Mining Discovered at Butyrka Prison Psychiatric Hospital

An illegal cryptocurrency mining operation was uncovered at a branch of a psychiatric hospital located within Moscow’s Detention Center No. 2, known as Butyrka Prison. The Investigative Committee has launched an inquiry into the incident.

According to investigators, Andrey Tsyganov, the head of the security department, is suspected of organizing the mining operation. In November 2021, Tsyganov, along with unidentified accomplices, allegedly installed technical equipment in the psychiatric hospital to mine cryptocurrency. The equipment operated until February 2022, consuming 8,379.45 kWh of electricity, which cost 62,175 rubles and 52 kopecks.

Authorities believe that the mining equipment was installed in the Federal Penitentiary Service’s psychiatric hospital branch and ran for three months, using over 8,379 kWh of electricity at a total cost exceeding 62,000 rubles.

The Investigative Committee for the Tverskoy District now suspects the officer of abuse of power (Article 286 of the Russian Criminal Code).

Butyrka is the oldest pre-trial detention center in Russia, with the prison originally built in 1771.