Georgia has launched a major crackdown on illegal cryptocurrency mining in the Svaneti region, focusing on the Mestia municipality. Vice Prime Minister Mamuka Mdinaradze announced on June 1 that the government will install electricity meters across all villages in the area to combat unauthorized mining activities. This initiative is supported by law enforcement to ensure compliance. Mestia's electricity consumption in 2025 reached 133 million kWh, over 13 times that of similar municipalities, highlighting the impact of illegal mining. The government estimates these operations have cost the national energy system between GEL 20 million and GEL 25 million annually. Regular consumers have faced increased costs and frequent power outages due to the strain on the grid. The crackdown involves installing meters to monitor consumption, with law enforcement backing the initiative. While normal households will continue to benefit from free or subsidized electricity, excessive usage will incur new tariffs, targeting those running large-scale mining operations.