18-year-old Arion Kurtaj, the mastermind behind the extensive GTA 6 gameplay leak, faced sentencing via video call from Feltham Youth Prison. The BBC’s Joe Tidy reported that Kurtaj, found guilty by a UK jury in August, has been handed an “indefinite hospital order,” consigning him to a secure hospital for life unless deemed non-threatening by medical professionals.
The decision stems from Kurtaj being perceived as an ongoing risk to the public due to his formidable hacking skills and unwavering motivation. Reports reveal his violent behavior while in police custody, leading to injuries and property damage. Furthermore, the court disclosed his expressed intent to return to cybercrime immediately upon release.
During a prior session, Dr. Claudia Camden-Smith affirmed Kurtaj’s strong inclination to reoffend. His accomplice received an 18-month Youth Rehabilitation Order, including strict supervision and a ban on VPN usage.
This verdict comes over a year after Kurtaj infiltrated Rockstar Games’ internal systems, leaking 90 videos of GTA VI gameplay. The BBC stated that Rockstar incurred a $5 million recovery cost and thousands of staff hours due to the breach.
Despite being on bail, the duo successfully hacked into Nvidia, Uber, BT, and Revolut over several years. Kurtaj’s unfitness to stand trial, determined by psychiatrists, led to his recent sentencing and detention under the Mental Health Act, emphasizing concerns about his mental health.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of cybercrime, illustrating the financial and operational toll on targeted entities.
