Gaming company Razer offers S$35,900 reward for information on theft of 2 Razer prototypes at CES 2017

Gamers play Overwatch by Blizzard using hardware from Razer during the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Jan 6, 2017. PHOTO: AFP

Gaming company Razer is offering a US$25,000 (S$35,900) reward for any original information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of a criminal suspect, after two of its prototypes went missing from its display at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Two Razer Project Valerie laptop prototypes were stolen from the Razer press room at the show, at about 4 pm on Sunday (Jan 8).

"I've just been informed that two of our prototypes were stolen from our booth at CES today," Singaporean CEO and co-founder Tan Min-Liang said on Facebook on Monday (Jan 9).

"Razer, in its sole discretion, will decide who is entitled to a reward and in what amount. Razer may pay only a portion of the maximum reward offered. The decision will be based primarily upon law enforcement's evaluation of the value of the information provided," the company said in a statement issued on Tuesday (Jan 10).

Razer will determine how to split the reward if there are multiple claimants, and Razer associates are not eligible for it. The offer will stand for a year, unless extended by the company.

Any information regarding the incident can be sent to legal@razerzone.com, and all information will be kept confidential.

Mr Tan said on Monday that they have filed the necessary reports and had roped in the show management, and the police to handle the issue.

"We treat theft/larceny, and if relevant to this case, industrial espionage, very seriously - it is cheating, and cheating doesn't sit well with us," he said .

"Penalties for such crimes are grievous and anyone who would do this clearly isn't very smart."

Razer, founded in 2005, is known for its high-end gaming peripherals and laptops.

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