Final Russian Nuclear Scientist Jailed For Mining Bitcoin At Work

A Russian scientist and former employee at the nation’s premier nuclear research facility was jailed on Oct. 24, for his part in a scheme to secretly mine Bitcoin using the facility’s supercomputers. 

Stealing energy and computing power from your employer

According to an Oct. 25 report by RT, former employee Andrey Rybkin was sentenced to 3 years and three months in prison, for the “unauthorized use of computer capabilities.” Two of his colleagues were previously fined for their roles in the plot, with one also receiving a suspended prison sentence.

He was also ordered to pay a fine of 200,000 roubles ($3,130), after trying to use a new supercomputer at the facility to mine Bitcoin.

The centre is located in the Russian city of Sarov, 370km from Moscow. Sarov is a “closed city”, meaning foreigners and tourists are prohibited, and even non-resident Russians must get a special permit to visit.

Best of three

As Cointelegraph reported last month, one of Rybkin’s collaborators was fined 450,000 roubles (US$7000) but escaped jail.

The other employee involved reportedly received a fine and a four year suspended prison sentence.