Massive Black is suing its former employees James Xi Zhang and Jenny Chen for interference with contractual relations, fraud, unlawful access to computer network, trespass, breach of contract and interference with prospective business advantage. Massive, a game-art and design subcontractor for games such as Killzone 2, Helgate: Longdon and Battlefield 2142, alleges, among other things, that Zhang and Chen, while still employed by Massive Black, competitively bid on projects from Massive’s customer, without Massive’s knowledge, won the contract and used Massive’s resources (equipment and development personnel – while still on Massive’s payroll) to work on the pilfered projects. Massive also alleges that up to $150,000 was siphoned out of the company using inflated expense reporting.
Sources: 1Up.com | 
Discussed in the April 14, 2006 “1Up Yours” Podcast (Time Index 48:15-52:15) | Gamasutra
19 Indicted in U.S. and U.K. as part of on-going Anti-Piracy Operation
The alleged pirates were said to have either removed the copy protection from, duplicated, or otherwise bootlegged over $6.5 million worth of software (including game-related content) and movies.
Source: Gamasutra | Next Generation | GameDaily | GameIndustry.biz
Three Indicted In Xbox Piracy/Modding Case
Two Hollywood video game store owners and a third man who were charged in December for allegedly pirating video games and installing them on modified Microsoft Corp. Xbox consoles were indicted on Thursday, according to the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. The indictment also charged the three with two felony violations of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act,
Sources: Gamasutra | Next Generation | Information Week
Original XBox Modders Charged with DMCA Violations
Authorities charge three Los Angeles-area men with hacking Xbox game consoles to allow pirated games to run on them.
Sources: Red Herring | Information Week | Reuters UK | 1Up | Techtree | NextGen.biz | Joystiq | Gamasutra | Law Fuel | Xbox 360 Fanboy
Chinese Gamer Sentenced to Life
A Shanghai online gamer has been given a suspended death sentence for killing a fellow gamer. Qiu Chengwei stabbed Zhu Caoyuan in the chest when he found out he had sold his virtual sword for 7,200 Yuan (£473).
Sources: BBC | MSNBC | PC World | CBC News | CNet UK | China Daily | American Chronicle | NewsSGD.com | CNN Money
In-Game Virtual Property ‘Theft’ Lead to Fatal Attack
Shanghai gamer Qiu Chengwei killed player Zhu Caoyuan when he discovered he had sold a “dragon sabre” he had been loaned, while playing the online game Legends of Mir 3. Before the attack Mr Chengwei told police about the theft who said the weapon was not real property and took no action.
Sources: BBC | MSNBC | ABC News | Guardian Unlimited | Sydney Morning Herald | RPGamer | The Register | Taipei Times
Spurned Woman Charged after Deleting Ex’s Lineage II Gaming Data
A Japanese woman faces a charge of “illegal access” to someone else’s online account after using her ex-boyfriend’s username and password to access online game Lineage II and deleting game data, including weapons.
Sources: Gamespot | The Register | Boomtown | Guardian Unlimited
Related Posts:
- The Virtual Crimewave (September 10, 2005)
- Man Arrested for Virtual Mugging in Lineage II (August 18, 2005)
- Spurned Woman Charged after Deleting Ex’s Lineage II Gaming Data (January 20, 2005)
Quebec Gets Concessions from Sony and Nintendo
Quebec is withdrawing its threat to sue Sony and Nintendo for not marketing games in French. Both companies pledged to offer video game users guides and product warranty information in French.
Sources: Gamasutra
Earlier Related Stories: The Register | CBC News