A man who used a computer program to become unbeatable at the
online multi-player game “Lineage II”, enabling him to sell credits
and virtual items taken from other players, has been arrested in
Japan, according to reports.19 Aug 2005
The Chinese exchange student had used the program, known as a robot or “bot”, to create a character that could easily beat human-controlled characters in the game. But this left the defeated players out of pocket, as it takes time – and money – to play the subscriber game.
According to Japanese newspaper the Mainichi Daily News, the student was part of a group of Chinese hackers who were making money by selling the stolen items online.
Police are still investigating.
Speaking to the Mainichi Daily News, Akio Kokubu, Vice President of the Internet Association Japan, commented:
"As long as there are people willing to buy items over the internet, the abuse won't stop".