We have been discussing for some time now the legal process in which Yuji Naka, the co-creator of Sonic and a participant in numerous developments, finds himself immersed. As some readers may know, the Japanese creative has been under investigation by the justice system for using confidential information for financial gain, all while working on Balan Wonderworld for Square Enix. Well, today we have some very interesting news: Naka has been found guilty.
The Japanese creator has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison and four years of probation. This latter point is key, as it allows him to avoid going to jail, but with a caveat: if he commits any offense that violates the terms of his probation during those four years, Naka will automatically be sent to prison.
Beyond this, the sentence also stipulates that he will have to pay 173 million yen, approximately 1.1 million euros. Therefore, the fine imposed on him is not exactly small.
Naka purchased shares before smartphone games for Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy were released, information that was not publicly known and was restricted (but to which he had access due to his work on a title published by Square Enix, the company that owns Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy). He knew that these games would increase the value of the shares, so he took advantage of this privileged position to grow his portfolio and later sell the shares at a higher price. The creator himself admitted to “knowing this information before it became public.”
It is unfortunate that such a prominent figure in the industry is going through such a tumultuous phase due to all his actions.
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