Russia's Oldest Prison, Butyrka, Uncovered as Crypto Mining Farm

In a shocking turn of events, Russia’s oldest prison, Butyrka, has been revealed as an unexpected hub for cryptocurrency mining. Russian law enforcement officials discovered an illegal crypto mining farm operating within the prison walls, exposing a clandestine operation involving prison officials.

Russia's oldest prison, called the Butyrka, has emerged as a site for unlawful crypto mining activities. A high-ranking representative of the management of Butyrskaya prison, in the Tverskoy District of central Moscow, is under investigation for setting up a crypto mining operation. This discovery highlights the lengths some are willing to go to capitalize on the booming crypto market.

According to reports from New Delhi: An illegal crypto-mining operation has been uncovered at Russia’s oldest prison, Butyrka. The prison’s deputy warden is currently under investigation, suggesting possible internal corruption and complicity in the scheme.

Butyrka Prison: From Incarceration to Cryptocurrency

The Butyrka prison's repurposing for illicit crypto mining raises serious questions about security and oversight within the Russian penal system. How did such a large-scale operation go unnoticed for so long? The investigation aims to uncover the full extent of the operation and identify all those involved.

Crypto mining looks a lucrative source of additional income. The lure of quick profits appears to have motivated individuals within the prison system to exploit the facility's resources for personal gain. The energy consumption alone required for such a farm would have been significant, raising concerns about the impact on the prison's utilities and overall infrastructure.

The incident underscores the growing prevalence of crypto mining in Russia. In 2025, Russia became the world’s third biggest crypto-miner, with the largest crypto-mines located throughout the country. This incident at Butyrka prison reveals a darker side to Russia's crypto mining boom.