The story of how authorities apprehended the individual responsible for leaking Grand Theft Auto VI footage is a remarkable one, showcasing a blend of audacity and technical ingenuity.

  • Arion Kurtaj, an 18-year-old hacker, was the mastermind behind the leak, stealing 90 clips of gameplay and the game’s source code.
  • He initially threatened Rockstar Games, the company behind GTA, via their internal Slack messaging system, demanding they contact him on Telegram or face the consequences.
  • When they didn’t comply, Kurtaj, under the username TeaPotUberHacker, released the stolen content on an online forum.

Kurtaj’s initial arrest didn’t deter him. While under police protection in a hotel room due to previous cybercrimes, he continued his illegal activities.

  • Kurtaj managed to hack Rockstar again using an Amazon Fire Stick connected to the hotel TV, a mobile phone, and a newly acquired keyboard and mouse. This unconventional setup highlights his resourcefulness and determination.
  • His actions ultimately led to a second arrest where he was “caught red-handed.”

A psychiatric evaluation deemed Kurtaj unfit to stand trial, leading to a life sentence in a hospital prison. The severity of his sentence underscores the significant impact of his cybercrimes and the ongoing threat he posed.

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