A real-life political lobbyist has been permanently banned from space-based MMORPG, EVE Online amongst accusations of corruption.
Brian Schoeneman, known in the game as Brisc Rubal, held a pretty important role in the game, where he served as CSM 13 representative (Council of Stellar Management).
In a statement, CCP Games writes: “Dear Citizens of New Eden,
“It is with great disappointment that I bring you the following news. Brisc Rubal has been found to be sharing confidential information with a member of his alliance that was later used by another alliance member to conduct illicit in-game transactions. As a result, the following actions have been taken:
- Brisc Rubal has been removed from his role as a CSM 13 representative effective immediately and will not be able to run in any future CSM elections.
- All his in-game accounts have been permanently banned from the game.
- Two other players involved in this incident have received a one-year ban.
- All the illicit assets and ISK gained from this incident have been confiscated.”
The statement also went on to say the matter was brought to the company’s attention via other CSMs, and constituted “an immediate threat to the integrity of the CSM as an institution.”
Schoeneman has since lashed out against the allegations in a lengthy Reddit post. He writes: “I am innocent of these allegations. I have not, and would not, violate the NDA I signed after being elected to the CSM. I have not provided any proprietary information furnished by CCP to me as a CSM member to anyone…
“I have received no response from any one at CCP in response to my repeated inquiries.”
Schoeneman also claims that the allegations are damaging not only to his reputation in EVE, but also to his career.
“As an attorney and a public figure in the United States, my ethics and reputation are regulated by a code of professional responsibility and statutory law, unlike CCP’s opaque community team,”Schoeneman writes. “As a licensed attorney for nearly a decade, I have never had a complaint filed against me. I have served in positions of public trust in the United States Government and have never had a complaint filed against me.
“The claims that I would risk my reputation by providing proprietary or otherwise confidential information to members of my own alliance for personal gain are false.
“These baseless charges have had an immediate and negative impact on not only my in-game reputation but my out of game reputation.”
He then goes on to confirm he will fight the allegations.
Other than issuing a statement on its website, CCP has yet to respond.
Featured Image Credit: CCP Games