Man sentenced for stealing virtual gold and selling for over £300k
He has been sentenced
Last updated 4th Sep 2026
A former developer at Cambridge gaming firm Jagex has been sentenced for stealing virtual items worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Andrew Lakeman of Harbour Road, Beadnell, Chathill, Northumberland, used his staff access to take valuable “game wealth” from customer accounts and sold it on the black market.
He’s been handed a suspended sentence and must complete unpaid work and rehab.
Detective Constable Andrew McKeane, who investigated, said: “This was an incredibly complex and detailed investigation and certainly not one you see every day.
“Lakeman was well aware what he was doing was wrong, and the hundreds of thousands of pounds he gained from selling the in-game items is no different to any other theft. Just because it’s virtual, doesn’t’ mean he shouldn’t face the full force of the law.
“I would like to thank my team for their hard work and diligence during what has been an unusual and lengthy investigation. It is also important to recognise the significant assistance of senior Crown Prosecutor, Samantha Woolley, and Prosecution Counsel, Sarah Gaunt, for their drive and determination, which led to groundbreaking case law that was heard at the Court of Appeal.
“Given the rapid growth of online and virtual worlds, the justice system is going to have to keep pace and adapt to these new and emerging crimes.”