Teen Hacker Sentenced to Indefinite Hospital Stay for GTA VI Leak
Arion Kurtaj, an 18-year-old British hacker associated with the hacker group Lapsus$, has been sentenced to an indefinite period in a secure hospital following a series of high-profile cyberattacks. Among these attacks was the unauthorized release of 90 development clips from Rockstar Games' highly anticipated title, Grand Theft Auto VI. Beyond this leak, Kurtaj was involved in cyberattacks against various corporations, including Uber and Nvidia.
The decision to place Kurtaj in a hospital setting rather than prison came after the court deemed him unfit to stand trial due to severe autism. Despite this condition, the court recognized his advanced technical abilities and his expressed intent to continue with cyber criminality, considering him a significant ongoing risk to the public. Kurtaj demonstrated his capability by executing one of the hacks using an Amazon Fire TV Stick, a hotel television, and his mobile phone, even after his laptop had been confiscated.
Kurtaj, alongside another teenager, was convicted of hacking, fraud, and extortion. The economic impact of their activities has been substantial, with Rockstar Games citing a loss of $5 million and numerous hours of manpower in response to the breach. The sentence ensures that Kurtaj will remain in the secure hospital until such time as medical professionals determine he no longer poses a threat.
