Alleged Hacker Arrested Over GTA Online Daily Revenue Leak

Dutch police arrested a 24-year-old man from Amsterdam. Authorities link him to ShinyHunters, a hacking group the FBI suspects leaked confidential GTA Online revenue figures earlier this year.

The Dutch National Police announced the arrest on September 28. Reuters identified the suspect as Pepijn van der Stap, who works as an offensive cybersecurity lead at Neo Security in Amsterdam. He has prior hacking-related convictions. The FBI believes he has led ShinyHunters since 2025, though the group reportedly denies this and criticizes the Dutch police.

ShinyHunters is associated with over 100 security breaches targeting companies and institutions, including Rockstar, Ticketmaster, and the FBI.

In April, ShinyHunters breached Rockstar and tried to extort the studio, threatening to release stolen data unless paid. Rockstar refused. The group then published the information, showing GTA Online generates over $1 million daily.

This incident follows a separate leak of GTA 6 gameplay footage in August by CyberLeek. Take-Two subsequently issued subpoenas to Microsoft, Discord, and Twitter/X to identify those responsible.

Following the arrest, FBI Cyber Division assistant director Brett Leatherman urged the remaining ShinyHunters members to come forward. He stated their colleague's arrest should be a clear signal and that any perceived anonymity or protection from associates is gone. Leatherman added that continued involvement only provides the FBI with more information. He advised them to contact authorities proactively while they still have that choice.

Separately, Rockstar is involved in an employment tribunal with the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain regarding the dismissal of 34 staff last October. Claimants allege the dismissals were retaliation for union activity.