The Russian Federal Customs Service apprehended a Mongolian citizen who claimed to be transporting the cargo in a taxi upon a private request for a fee of 400 rubles.
The ASIC miners were manufactured in 2019, and the true owner of the devices has yet to be determined.
In accordance with the directive of the Federal Customs Service, the export of such equipment is forbidden until at least December 31, 2025. Two administrative cases have been initiated against the offender for failing to declare the goods and violating prohibitions and restrictions. The mining equipment has been confiscated and sent for examination. Currently, the estimated market value of the Watsmimer M21 is around 30,000 rubles.
Prior to this incident, the Russian Industrial Mining Association suggested exploring the potential of categorizing cryptocurrency mining entrepreneurs as a distinct group of electricity consumers, leading to the introduction of specialized power supply regulations for them.