An 18-year-old hacker who stole and leaked several video clips of the highly anticipated “Grand Theft Auto VI” game has been sentenced to indefinite confinement in a secure hospital in the U.K. until he is no longer deemed a threat to the public. This sentencing comes following the hacker’s involvement in hacking multiple tech companies, including GTA developer Rockstar Games.

The British judge presiding over the case expressed concern about the hacker named Arion Kurtaj’s high skill level in carrying out cyberattacks, labeling him as a high risk to the public. This assessment was supported by a mental health evaluation that stated Kurtaj was “highly motivated” and expressed intentions to engage in cybercrime again in the future. Kurtaj was found guilty of the hacks in August, having previously been deemed unfit to stand trial due to an autistic-spectrum disorder.

Kurtaj’s hacking activities extended beyond Rockstar Games, as he was also involved in breaching chip maker Nvidia and British internet service provider EE while on bail. He gained unauthorized access to Rockstar’s internal systems using an Amazon Firestick, his hotel TV, and a mobile phone, threatening to release source code unless a multi-million dollar ransom was paid. Kurtaj is affiliated with a hacking group called Lapsus$, which has caused significant financial losses to companies like Nvidia, Rockstar, and Uber, totaling nearly $10 million.

The arrest of Kurtaj and an unidentified 17-year-old accomplice followed the theft of 90 clips of “Grand Theft Auto VI” as a result of the Rockstar hack. Both individuals were convicted of serious computer misuse, blackmail, and fraud for their involvement in hacking EE and Nvidia. The hacking incidents against Rockstar occurred during the development of “Grand Theft Auto VI,” a highly anticipated title set for release in 2025.

Rockstar publicly acknowledged a network intrusion that occurred last year, where confidential information and development footage of GTA VI were accessed by a third party. The timing and details of the leaked clips align with Kurtaj’s sentencing, drawing attention from the FBI, which investigated intrusions into Rockstar and other tech companies. Reports suggested that the same actor involved in the Rockstar hack had also targeted Microsoft, Cisco, Samsung, Nvidia, and Okta, according to IGN.

In light of Kurtaj’s repeated hacking offenses and the potential risks posed by his actions, the court opted for an indefinite hospital order to ensure public safety and prevent further cybercrimes. This case serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in malicious cyber activities and the importance of safeguarding sensitive information in the digital age.

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