Igor Runets Arrested on Tax Evasion Charges in Bitcoin Mining Investigation

MetaMisfit · 2026-02-13T05:17:24+00:00

BitRiver CEO Igor Runets has been arrested on charges of asset concealment to evade taxes, highlighting growing regulatory scrutiny in Russia's cryptocurrency mining sector. His detention could impact the industry's compliance landscape.

MetaMisfit

2026-02-13 05:17:24

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BitRiver CEO Igor Runets has been taken into custody following serious allegations from Russian authorities. Court filings from Moscow’s Zamoskvoretsky Court indicate that the prominent mining entrepreneur was arrested on January 30, with formal charges following on January 31. According to PANews, Runets now faces three counts related to asset concealment designed to evade taxes—a significant development for Russia’s cryptocurrency mining landscape.

The Timeline of Igor Runets’ Legal Troubles

The legal action moved quickly following the initial detention. After his January 31 charge, Runets was ordered to house confinement pending trial proceedings. His legal team had limited time to file an appeal before the house arrest order becomes fully enforceable on February 4. If the appeal is rejected or not pursued, Runets will remain under residential restriction throughout the duration of the trial, marking a dramatic turn for the BitRiver founder.

BitRiver’s Prominence in Russian Bitcoin Mining

BitRiver, which Igor Runets founded in 2017, has established itself as one of Russia’s largest Bitcoin mining operations. The company operates multiple substantial data centers across Siberia, positioning itself as a key player in the region’s cryptocurrency infrastructure. By the close of 2024, Bloomberg valued Runets’ personal wealth at approximately $230 million, reflecting his substantial gains from the mining sector’s growth trajectory.

Industry Implications and Regulatory Scrutiny

The detention of Igor Runets signals intensifying regulatory focus on cryptocurrency mining operations in Russia. As one of the nation’s most prominent mining executives, his legal challenges may have broader implications for how authorities approach tax compliance and asset reporting within the digital asset industry. The case underscores the mounting pressure on major players in Russia’s crypto infrastructure during a period of heightened government scrutiny.

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