Arion Kurtaj, responsible for leaking 90 early video clips and source code of Grand Theft Auto 6 in September 2022, has been released from indefinite confinement in a secure hospital and transferred to a normal prison to await retrial in November 2026 [1, 2, 3].
Kurtaj’s initial trial was delayed after he was diagnosed with acute autism, which led to his indefinite imprisonment at a secure hospital starting in December 2023 due to concerns over his mental fitness to stand trial [1, 2, 3]. During his time in custody, officials noted violent behavior and a strong intent by Kurtaj to return to cybercrime activities [1, 3].
Kurtaj carried out the Rockstar Games hack while out on bail and under police protection. He used an Amazon Firestick, a hotel TV, and a cellphone to access and leak the confidential materials [1, 2, 3]. Despite being held in a medical facility, unconfirmed reports in March 2026 claimed Kurtaj smuggled a phone inside and boasted online about life in the hospital [2].
Strict media restrictions prevented confirming Kurtaj’s transfer to normal prison until July 14, 2026, when the UK high court lifted those bans. BBC correspondent Joe Tidy described the effort to confirm Kurtaj’s release as "like getting blood out of a stone" [1, 2, 3].
Legal experts find it unclear how Kurtaj can face retrial now, given his earlier mental health ruling that deemed him unfit for trial [1, 3]. However, court authorities have scheduled the retrial for November 2026, coinciding with the official release of GTA 6 on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles [1, 3].
Kurtaj remains in custody at a standard prison as he prepares for the upcoming trial.
