FBI Detains Hacker Linked to GTA Attacks and Agency Breach

In April, the hacking group ShinyHunters set its sights on Rockstar, the developer behind Grand Theft Auto 6. After failing to secure a ransom, they leaked financial details that showcased just how lucrative titles like Grand Theft Auto Online are for the studio. Recently, ShinyHunters escalated their activities by breaching the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, obtaining personal data of current and former employees, as well as applicants.

On Friday, the FBI announced the arrest of a suspect in Pennsylvania linked to the September breach. Sources indicated to an outlet that this individual was a “primary co-conspirator” in the FBI hack, though details about his identity and specific charges remain undisclosed. This arrest follows last month’s capture of a leader from ShinyHunters by the Dutch National Police.

FBI director Kash Patel stated, “We will continue to work closely with our partners to disrupt what’s left of the ShinyHunters group and their associates, no matter where they operate.”

ShinyHunters has not limited its attacks to just Rockstar and the FBI; this year alone, they have also targeted GrubHub, the European Commission, JCPenney, Carnival Cruise, and more. According to Brett Leatherman, assistant director of the FBI’s cyber division, ShinyHunters has extorted over $70 million from more than 140 organizations since last year.

While Rockstar may have brushed off the hack, the studio has expressed significant frustration over a wave of gameplay leaks for GTA 6 that surfaced in August. The hacking group Cyberleaks released several gameplay videos ahead of the game’s extended preview on Netflix. This week, the leaks continued with a new video featuring Jason celebrating his birthday.

Rockstar described these leaks as “heartbreaking for our team” and emphasized that it was “obviously not how we intended for you to see the game after all this time.” Fortunately for fans, the wait to dive into GTA 6 is almost over, with its release set for November 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.