Theft
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FBI investigating theft of more than 6000 PSA-graded trading cards, including almost 3000 Pokémon cards
The FBI and Santa Ana police are investigating the theft of 6451 PSA-graded trading cards, including nearly 3000 Pokémon cards, from a FedEx truck. PSA has confirmed the incident and is cooperating with investigators, providing footage and records to help recover the stolen items, which are collectively valued at over $963,000. The company has deactivated certification numbers for the stolen cards and is processing refunds and insurance claims for affected customers.
Stolen RTX 5090 from Brazilian airport forklift heist reportedly turns up on second hand market for $6,400, but the rest…
A shipment of Nvidia RTX 5090 graphics cards, stolen from a Brazilian airport via a forklift heist, has reportedly surfaced on the second-hand market for approximately $6,400. The GPUs, belonging to distributor Oderço, were valued at $495,000. While one card has been spotted for sale, the rest of the stolen shipment remains missing.
Another Day, Another Pokemon Card Heist Worth Nearly $1 Million
A FedEx truck carrying approximately $1 million worth of Pokemon and sports trading cards was stolen in Santa Ana, California. The cards, belonging to collectors who submitted them for authentication and grading by the Professional Sports Authenticator, were taken from two full pallets and part of a third. The Professional Sports Authenticator has deactivated the certificates for the stolen cards and is working with law enforcement and the carrier to investigate the incident.
Two entire pallets of RTX 5090s have 'gone missing' from a Brazilian airport—$495,000 worth of unobtanium graphics cards now presumably at large
Two pallets of Zotac GeForce RTX 5090 graphics cards, valued at approximately $495,000, have reportedly gone missing from Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo, Brazil. The Brazilian distributor Oderço expressed frustration over the lack of answers regarding the disappearance, suggesting the high-value components may have been stolen.
Thieves stole two Nvidia-emblazoned truck trailers in the hopes of getting hardware and instead got 40,000 lbs of sand
Two truck trailers, falsely believed to be carrying Nvidia hardware, were stolen from PlusAI. The thieves discovered the trailers were filled with 40,000 lbs of sand, intended for weight testing, and subsequently abandoned the cargo. The sand has been recovered, but the perpetrators remain at large.
Former Old School RuneScape developer sentenced to 150 hours community service for in-game gold theft
A former Jagex developer, Andrew Lakeman, has been sentenced to 150 hours of community service and a suspended prison sentence for stealing nearly $500,000 worth of in-game gold and items from Old School RuneScape players. The court found him guilty of theft, emphasizing that virtual theft is prosecutable. Separately, RuneScape is beta testing Vulkan rendering engine support.
Gamescom issues apology for initial response to hardware thefts: "It did not show the people affected the empathy they deserve"
Gamescom organizers have issued an apology for their initial response to hardware thefts that affected several indie developers during the event. They acknowledged their communication did not show sufficient empathy and have launched a review of security measures, particularly for indie exhibitors.
Gamescom apologises for how it initially responded to indie developer hardware thefts
Gamescom has issued an apology for its initial response to hardware thefts from indie developer booths, admitting it lacked the necessary empathy. The organizers acknowledged the significant impact of such incidents, which can derail an entire show for small studios. Gamescom is now committed to reviewing and improving security measures for indie exhibitors.
Former Old School Runescape dev sentenced for stealing from players to cash in over $400,000 in "black market" payouts
A former Old School RuneScape developer, Andrew Lakeman (also known as Jed Sanderson or 'Mod Jed'), has received a three-year suspended sentence for stealing in-game gold and items from players and selling them on the black market for approximately $490,000. Jagex fired Lakeman in 2018 after discovering his actions, which involved misusing his moderator privileges. The investigation by Cambridgeshire Police led to Lakeman pleading guilty and receiving a suspended sentence, community service, and a rehabilitation requirement, with efforts underway to recoup the stolen funds.
gamescom Apologizes for Its Initial Response to Thefts, Promises Improved Security Measures
gamescom has issued a second statement apologizing for its initial response to the theft of developer equipment during the event. The organization acknowledges the shortcomings in its handling of the situation and promises to implement improved security measures.
Court sentences disgraced Old School RuneScape dev who stole players' gold and "banked more than…
Former Old School RuneScape developer Andrew Lakeman has been sentenced to a three-year suspended sentence for stealing over £300,000 worth of in-game gold and items from player accounts. The court ruled that OSRS gold can legally be defined as 'property' subject to criminal theft, setting a potential precedent for virtual asset cases.
Gamescom makes second statement on 2026 theft, promising to review & improve security
Following reports of thefts at Gamescom 2026, the organization has issued a second statement apologizing for its initial response and promising to review and improve security measures. They will host a roundtable with developers to enhance security protocols and are asking affected parties to report incidents.
CD Projekt Red opens its 'Arasaka hardware archives' to help an indie dev whose gear was stolen during 1 of at…
Multiple indie developers and publishers, including CD Projekt Red, Tessera Studios, and iam8bit, reported significant equipment theft from their booths at Gamescom. CD Projekt Red offered assistance to one affected developer, while Gamescom acknowledged the incidents and emphasized existing security regulations and the recommendation for exhibitors to insure their equipment.
CD Projekt Red offers to help after police reports are filed at Gamescom over stolen dev equipment: "We'll check the Arasaka hardware archives"
Multiple game developers reported equipment stolen from their booths at Gamescom 2026, leading to early event departures for some teams. CD Projekt Red and Everstone Studios offered assistance to those affected, while Gamescom organizers stated that investigations are underway and advised exhibitors to secure their own equipment.
Indie devs and publishers hit in Gamescom equipment thefts
Several independent developers and publishers experienced significant equipment theft, including laptops and Steam Decks, from their booths at Gamescom. Organizers are facing criticism for inadequate security measures, with some developers reporting difficulties filing police reports and others receiving offers of support from larger companies like CD Projekt Red.
Multiple developers report equipment stolen from their Gamescom booths
Multiple developers reported equipment, including laptops and a Steam Deck, stolen from their booths at Gamescom in Cologne. Indie developer Ryan Laley stated the theft effectively ended his show early, while iam8bit and Tessera Studios also confirmed losses. Gamescom acknowledged the incidents, stating that investigations are underway and advising exhibitors to insure their equipment.
Stolen Laptops at gamescom: Solo Dev’s Tearful Video Draws Aid From CD Projekt Red and Fellow Creators
Solo developer Ryan Laley had his laptops stolen from his gamescom booth, leading to significant financial and emotional distress. The incident garnered widespread attention, prompting support from fellow creators and companies like CD Projekt Red, who offered assistance to help Laley replace his stolen hardware. Other studios, including iam8bit and Tessera Studios, also reported thefts at the event.
Gamescom addresses theft reports at this year’s event
Gamescom has issued a statement addressing multiple reports of theft during the event, where attendees and developers experienced missing equipment. The incidents have led to discussions about the event's security measures.
Indie Dev Posts Video Reporting Stolen Laptops at gamescom as CD Projekt Red and More Step in to Help
Indie developer Ryan Laley reported that his laptops were stolen at gamescom, cutting his participation short. Other developers, including those from CD Projekt Red, have stepped in to offer assistance to Laley and other affected developers.
CD Projekt Red Offers To Help Gamescom Theft Victim As Industry Shows Its Support
Indie developer Ryan Laley reported equipment theft from his Gamescom booth, prompting an outpouring of support from the gaming industry, including CD Projekt Red. Separately, iam8bit also reported the overnight theft of two laptops containing game demos from their booth. The gaming community has rallied to assist Laley, with CD Projekt Red offering to replace stolen hardware.
