Crypto tears: Bitcoin miners face blame for Abkhazia energy crisis


A cryptocurrency mining computer is seen in front of bitcoin logo. With a population of about 240,000, Abkhazia has seen at least 625 crypto farms set up in just the past few years, according to estimates from its economy ministry. — Reuters

TBILISI: As bitcoin surged to record highs last month, Inal’s heart sank.

The unemployed 30-year-old had spent his savings setting up a system to generate the cryptocurrency last summer, but rolling blackouts and a police crackdown in his native Abkhazia forced him to pull the plug early, missing out on a potential fortune.

Save 30% OFF The Star Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

RM 9.73/month

Billed as RM 9.73 for the 1st month, RM 13.90 thereafter.

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.63/month

Billed as RM 103.60 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Tech News

Google to pay $135 million to settle Android data transfer lawsuit
Tether CEO aims to allocate up to 15% of its portfolio to gold
Spotify says it made record payout of more than $11 billion to music industry in 2025
Snap seeks investments as new smart glasses unit takes on Meta
UK pushes Google to allow sites to opt out of AI Overviews
Corning forecasts first-quarter sales above estimates on strong optical fiber demand
US megacap results to test market's tech trade, profit optimism
AT&T bets on fiber, spectrum deals to forecast annual profit above expectations
Texas Instruments shares jump as first-quarter outlook signals robust AI data center demand
Amazon axes 16,000 jobs as it pushes AI and efficiency

Others Also Read