Chinese Cops Arrest Around 10 People For Distributing Valorant Cheat, With Profits Surpassing $4.1 Million

In a landmark operation that has sent shockwaves through the gaming world, Chinese cops has made a significant breakthrough by arresting around ten individuals involved in the development and distribution of cheating software specifically tailored for the popular online tactical shooter, VALORANT. What makes this operation particularly noteworthy is the staggering amount of profits generated by this illicit trade—an eye-watering $4.1 million, an astronomical figure that underscores the extent of the cheating problem plaguing competitive online gaming.

The First Crackdown on AI Cheat Tools in China

This enforcement action, reported by the Yijiang Public Security Bureau via Weibo, marks a watershed moment in the ongoing battle against cheating in esports. It represents China’s maiden crackdown on AI cheat tools, a scourge that has been undermining the integrity of online gaming competitions on a global scale.

The operation’s success was the result of a meticulous month-long investigation, conducted in close collaboration with Tencent, a leading force in the gaming industry. The probe revealed a network of illicit transactions amounting to over RMB 30 million, which translates to approximately $4.1 million as of the report dated September 22, 2023. Subsequent interrogations led to the confession of ten individuals involved in this nefarious activity, although the case remains under active investigation.

Coordinated Raids Across Provinces

The operation unfolded on September 15, 2023, as more than 20 law enforcement officers executed synchronized raids across multiple locations spanning provinces such as Zhejiang and Chongqing. The result was the apprehension of ten individuals, consisting of two primary developers responsible for creating the cheating software and eight “agents” who facilitated its distribution and usage within the gaming community.

The raids also uncovered a trove of incriminating evidence, including the seizure of 17 computers, 11 mobile phones, source codes, and various hardware components that had played a pivotal role in the development and dissemination of these cheats.

VALORANT’s Vigilance Against Cheating

VALORANT, developed by Riot Games, stands as one of the prominent titles in the esports arena, and its creators have been steadfast in their commitment to maintaining a fair and competitive gaming environment. To this end, the game has deployed robust anti-cheat measures, most notably the Vanguard system, designed to swiftly identify and terminate games upon detecting cheating attempts.

However, the battle against cheaters has proven to be an ongoing challenge, with some resourceful individuals continuously managing to find ways to evade detection. AI cheat tools, in particular, pose a significant challenge as they operate beyond the confines of the operating system, rendering them less susceptible to traditional kernel-level anti-cheat mechanisms.

The Growing Threat of AI-Powered Cheating

VALORANT’s official statements on Weibo have reiterated the game’s unwavering commitment to combat cheating in all its forms. However, the developer has expressed concern over a concerning trend within the cheating community—increasing reliance on AI technology. Cheaters are leveraging AI capabilities not only to avoid detection but also to enhance their cheating capabilities, presenting a broader array of tools and tactics that threaten the integrity of competitive gaming.

A Stringent Response: Thousands of Cheaters Banned

Despite the challenges posed by evolving cheating methods, VALORANT remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the competitive integrity of the game. Official records shared by VALORANT reveal that between August 25 and September 18, more than 770 cheating tools were detected. This proactive approach led to the banning of over 39,000 accounts and more than 10,000 machines linked to cheating activities—a testament to the game’s uncompromising stance against cheating.

Collaboration with Tencent for a Secure Gaming Environment

VALORANT’s collaboration with Tencent, a global leader in the gaming industry, has been instrumental in upholding the game’s security and fairness standards. The partnership extends across security, technical, and legal aspects to ensure that the gaming environment remains secure and free from cheating-related disruptions.

In a statement, VALORANT reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to fairness, maintaining a “zero tolerance” stance towards cheating behaviors involving plugins. The developer also expressed its willingness to maintain close communication with players and work collaboratively to preserve a positive gaming atmosphere in China.

A Struggle for Fairness in Competitive Gaming

The crackdown on VALORANT cheating operations in China serves as a stark reminder of the enduring struggle for fairness in competitive online gaming. As the battle against cheaters rages on, developers and law enforcement agencies worldwide are poised to continue their efforts to protect the integrity of esports and ensure that players can compete on a level playing field. The staggering profits uncovered in this operation highlight the lucrative nature of cheating, making it imperative for the gaming community to remain vigilant and proactive in combating this persistent threat.

Also Read: Is Valorant Easier Than CS:GO? All You Need To Know