Teen hacker behind massive GTA VI leak sentenced to indefinite hospital stay
Topics: Grand Theft Auto, News, Technology, Rockstar Games
Niamh Shackleton
Featured Image Credit: BBC / Rockstar Games
Topics: Grand Theft Auto, News, Technology, Rockstar Games
A key member of international gang Lapsus$ has been sentenced following a huge leak of Grand Theft Auto 6.
Lapsus$ have also been behind leaks from other huge firms such as Uber and software company, Nvidia.
In regards to Rockstar Games - GTA's developer - Lapsus$ shared over 90 videos and screenshots from GTA 6's test build last year.
And Arion Kurtaj from Oxford, England, was part of the group.
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Rockstar Games have alleged that leak cost $5 million to recover.
At the time of the leak, the developer released a statement. Part of it read: "We are extremely disappointed to have any details of our next game shared with you all in this way.
"Our work on the next Grand Theft Auto game will continue as planned and we remain as committed as ever to delivering an experience to you, our players, that truly exceeds your expectations."
As Kurtaj has autism, the teenager was deemed psychiatrically unfit to stand trial and has since been sentenced to an indefinite hospital stay.
During the trial which he was unable to stand, a judge has said that the 18-year-old's hacking skills were a high risk to the public.
The court also heard that Kurtaj had been violent while in custody, BBC News reports.
In light of Kurtaj's mental health assessment, jurors were asked to determine whether or not he committed the alleged acts; not if he did so with criminal intent.
The teen will now remain in a secure hopsital for the rest of his life - or until doctors deem him no longer a danger.
Kurtaj and an unnamed 17-year-old are also accused of hacking and blackmailing BT Group and EE in 2021.
Rockstar recently debuted GTA 6's highly anticipated trailer, which was dropped a day earlier than promised.
A release date for the game is yet to be revealed.