GTA 6 Hacker Arrested In Joint Effort Between FBI & UK Cyber Crime Unit

It's been under a week since confidential gameplay footage of Rockstar Games’ highly anticipated upcoming title, Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6), was leaked. On 19th September 2022, the developer took to Twitter to confirm that they suffered a network intrusion by an unknown person.

However, following an investigation in a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the UK National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU), the culprit presumed to be behind the leak has been reportedly arrested. On 22nd September 2022, the City of London Police confirmed that they’d apprehended a 17-year-old in Oxfordshire on suspicion of hacking.

Presumed GTA 6 Hacker In Cuffs By UK Law Enforcement

Branded as one of the biggest leaks in video game history, Rockstar Games revealed that a hacker infiltrated its network to steal highly-confidential content about their unreleased, upcoming game, GTA 6.

Following this network intrusion, the hacker leaked the stolen content online, showing unseen footage that Rockstar Games and all its employees have been working on for a long time.

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Rockstar Games released an official statement on 19th September 2022 and addressed the situation. In a public notice, they stated that the leaks wouldn’t impede or slow down their progress to develop GTA 6 and launch it across platforms for their community to play.

A Message from Rockstar Games pic.twitter.com/T4Wztu8RW8

— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) September 19, 2022

Despite so, the company worked with crime-busting investigative officials to hunt down the perpetrator that leaked the GTA 6 footage and information. In a statement to investors, Take-Two Interactive asserted that they would be taking "steps to isolate and contain this incident."

Although no official statements about the hack have been provided, some wonder how the hacker bypassed security or acquired the GTA 6 game files. More information might be apparent later as the investigation continues.

Regardless, a joint operation between the FBI and NCCU helped narrow down and captured the hacker presumed to be responsible for the GTA 6 leak.

On the evening of Thursday 22 September 2022, the City of London Police arrested a 17-year-old in Oxfordshire on suspicion of hacking, as part of an investigation supported by the @NCA_UK’s National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU).

He remains in police custody. pic.twitter.com/Zfa3OlDR6J

— City of London Police (@CityPolice) September 23, 2022

The FBI and NCCU’s joint effort pulled successful as the alleged leaker was arrested on Thursday, 22nd September 2022. This individual was a 17-year-old based in Oxfordshire, arrested on suspicion of hacking, and remains in custody under the City of London Police.

Teenager charged with breach of bail and computer misuse offences pic.twitter.com/8rQnsPblIL

— City of London Police (@CityPolice) September 24, 2022

For now, no official statements have been provided by Rockstar Games. But, the City of London Police has released a notice that the apprehended individual will be taken to Highbury Corner Youth Court on 24th September for charges of two counts of breaching bail conditions and two counts of computer misuse.

And that's all. For more on the game, check out our section dedicated to Grand Theft Auto news, guides, features, and much more.

Featured image courtesy of Rockstar Games.