https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/5dpxzn/abkhazia-posts-videos-of-illegal-bitcoin-mines-that-are-causing-power-blackouts

Officials in the tiny, disputed, Black Sea territory of Abkhazia are determined to show their crackdown on rampant mom-and-pop Bitcoin mining operations is serious business. And they’re posting videos of the cops busting DIY Bitcoin mining farms to prove just that. 

Bitcoin mining has become a big business for the impoverished area. But the digital farms are consuming so much power, they’ve been blamed for rolling blackouts. And now, like the vice squad busting up small-time bootleggers during prohibition, the authorities are moving in.In a region estimated to have more than 1 crypto-mining facility for every 400 residents by its own Economy Ministry, this is no small feat.