The unauthorized release of Grand Theft Auto VI gameplay footage, which has been a persistent issue for Rockstar Games and Take-Two Interactive, seems to have drawn to a close. The leaker, known as "Cyberleek," has reportedly withdrawn a significant sum from a cryptocurrency token associated with their actions, potentially signaling the end of the leaks.
Throughout the week-long period of unauthorized clips, Cyberleek consistently watermarked the content with messages and a QR code directing users to purchase a memecoin named $CYBERLEEK. Ahead of Grand Theft Auto VI's official reveal, scheduled for later today, Cyberleek is reported to have transferred close to $250,000 into various digital wallets. This withdrawal has caused the value of the $CYBERLEEK token to plummet.
Analysis of Cyberleek's crypto activities suggests a method to inflate the coin's value before the withdrawal. Unlike a typical "rug pull" where early investors cash out, Cyberleek "burned" their unsold reserves, amounting to 270 million tokens. This action was intended to create the impression of a long-term project, thereby encouraging investment. The quarter-million-dollar sum was reportedly accumulated through transaction fees earned during the week of the leaks. The $CYBERLEEK token, which at its peak was valued at $0.034, has fallen significantly, now trading below $0.005, representing an 86 percent decrease from its high. Its market cap has also dropped considerably.
Transactions indicate that the fees were distributed among at least three different digital wallets, with one noted as CCE.Cash, a platform known for its privacy features. This suggests a degree of planning behind the operation. While the leaker has profited, the value for those holding the memecoin has diminished rapidly.
Questions also remain regarding the source of the leaks themselves. Cyberleek claimed to have access to the full game code, describing it as a "recent" build that was "not ready at all." However, the limited scope of the leaks, which largely excluded mission details, story elements, or gameplay footage of the character Lucia, suggests either restricted access to the code or the use of limited tester builds. The final leak, a cutscene from the prologue, was accompanied by increasingly desperate pleas for support for the $CYBERLEEK token, indicating potential financial pressure on the leaker.
Rockstar and Take-Two are reportedly determined to identify those responsible. The transaction trails, even those utilizing privacy-focused platforms, may be traceable by authorities, potentially leading to severe consequences for the individuals involved.