Chinese police have apprehended two individuals accused of targeting esports hotels with the sole intention of stealing computer memory modules. The arrests followed reports from several hotels in Shihezi City after guests noticed malfunctioning PCs.
Authorities allege that one suspect, identified as Li, initially operated alone before recruiting a second individual, Cheng. Together, they reportedly stayed at various esports hotels between May 15 and May 31, dismantling memory components from the hotel's gaming rigs. The stolen RAM sticks were then allegedly listed and sold on a second-hand trading platform. Guangming Online reports that the pair profited approximately 13,200 yuan, which is just under $2,000 USD, from the sale of 16 memory sticks.
The high demand and increased cost of RAM, exacerbated by a global memory crisis and the growing needs of AI development, are cited as motivations for the thefts. Memory is described as an appealing target for thieves due to its relatively light weight, ease of concealment, and high value-to-gram ratio.
Evidence used to apprehend Li and Cheng reportedly included their methods of dismantling the PCs and their practices for selling the stolen goods. While the two are currently under criminal detention, further investigation is pending.
The trend of targeting valuable hardware for theft has extended beyond RAM. In a separate incident earlier this month, cargo thieves reportedly stole over $1 million worth of copper and equipment from data centers.