Recent reports from Uzbekistan indicate that players of the mobile game Hamster Kombat could face administrative penalties for withdrawing cryptocurrency. The information comes via the Telegram channel Özbek-MDK, which cites local television coverage as the basis for the claim. The message highlights that exchanging virtual currencies for real money may trigger liability under the country’s administrative rules.
Authorities reportedly warned Hamster Kombat players about potential consequences for converting digital assets into cash. In addition to possible detention, fines are mentioned, with amounts reaching up to 10.2 million soums. That figure translates to roughly 71,000 rubles in current terms. The warning underscores the seriousness with which officials treat cryptocurrency-related activities in this context.
In an example from early June, Uzbek authorities reportedly punished a student for a transaction described as illegal cryptocurrency trading, rather than a legitimate sale of digital coins. The court ordered 10 days of administrative detention, and the student faced the destruction of a Samsung Galaxy A30 phone and a bank card used in the transaction. The individual reportedly earned about $63 from the activity. Observers emphasize that this case demonstrates how quickly sanctions can follow even small-scale crypto trades within the regulatory environment. [CITATION: Özbek-MDK Telegram channel referencing local TV coverage]
Hamster Kombat is presented as a mobile clicker game in which players earn in-game money by tapping virtual hamsters. Developers have hinted that future updates may introduce cryptocurrency rewards for players, with the potential to convert those rewards on exchanges. This prospect has drawn attention from observers who note the broader implications for players who may not fully understand the regulatory landscape surrounding digital assets. [CITATION: Local media coverage and game developer announcements]
There have been prior reports connected to Hamster Kombat, including an instance where a Tyumen student was reportedly admitted to a psychiatric hospital after playing the game. These accounts are part of a wider narrative about how certain mobile games intersect with personal and legal issues in different regions. [CITATION: Regional media reports]