Iran Offers $20 Reward To Citizens Who Can Report Underground Crypto Miners

As a researcher with extensive experience in energy policy and cryptocurrency regulation, I find myself deeply concerned about the current state of affairs in Iran. The ongoing power crisis, exacerbated by the intense heatwave, is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention and sustainable solutions.


At present, Iran is experiencing a severe energy predicament exacerbated by an unusual heatwave, worsening the situation. In an unusual effort to address this problem, the Iranian government has recently declared a reward of approximately $20 for citizens who report on illicit cryptocurrency mining activities within their country.

As a concerned crypto investor and energy user in the country, I’ve noticed an initiative taken by Tavanir – our state-run electricity company. They are cracking down on unauthorized consumption of subsidized electricity, which they claim exacerbates the persistent power shortages we face. This move is crucial for ensuring a stable energy supply and preventing further strain on our national grid.

Heatwave And Power Shortages

A record-breaking heatwave has driven temperatures up to an extreme 49.7°C (121°F) in Iran, the highest temperature recorded in the past 50 years. This has led to widespread power failures, disrupting everyday activities and industrial work.

In simpler terms, the head of Tavanir, Mostafa Rajabi Mashhadi, has stated that unauthorized miners are exploiting the current situation and using a significant amount of electricity without permission. He emphasized that these operations aren’t minor; in fact, they consume as much power as an entire province requires, causing immense strain on the national grid system.

Iran Offers $20 Reward To Citizens Who Can Report Underground Crypto Miners

In the past, the Iranian administration temporarily prohibited cryptocurrency mining due to worries over excessive energy consumption. However, this ban was eased or lifted altogether as a result of financial pressure stemming from U.S. sanctions.

Currently, as the grid is under immense stress, authorities are adopting a firmer approach. They believe that encouraging the general public to report illicit miners might ease some of the tension on the power supply.

Iran Offers $20 Reward To Citizens Who Can Report Underground Crypto Miners

The Bounty System

In this updated system, individuals will be rewarded one million Toman for providing details that result in the seizure of equipment used in unlicensed cryptocurrency mining operations. It seems that this monetary incentive is intended to motivate citizens to take action against these illegal miners, who frequently establish their operations within public buildings such as schools and mosques, which often have subsidized electricity and were thus attractive for such unauthorized mining activities.

Iran Offers $20 Reward To Citizens Who Can Report Underground Crypto Miners

It’s been reported that over 230,000 illegal mining devices have been confiscated, using approximately 800 to 900 megawatts of energy. To help visualize this, the authorities likened the energy usage to the electricity requirements of Markazi Province and emphasized that generating such power would necessitate building a new power plant with a capacity of around 1,300 megawatts.

The Broader Implications

The Iranian administration is intensifying efforts to stop unauthorized cryptocurrency mining due to a broader strategy aimed at prudent management of the country’s energy supply. While cryptocurrency mining can potentially bring substantial profits, it presents significant issues concerning energy consumption and ecological preservation.

Some critics contend that attributing the power shortage primarily to cryptocurrency mining is entirely off-target. Instead, they suggest that the main issues stem from poor grid management and substantial investments needed for improvement.

Over the last few years, there’s been a significant surge in cryptocurrency mining in Iran, largely due to its abundant natural gas and electricity resources. This activity has led to a complicated connection between cryptocurrencies and Iran, as it provides the country with a means to circumvent international sanctions while simultaneously straining its power infrastructure.

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2024-08-15 20:21