Skip to main content

Former GameStop exec pleads guilty to swiping $2 million

GameStop
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Until last year, Chris Olivera served as GameStop’s vice president of corporate communications and public affairs. Given the sheer number of ads the company pushes on its customers in-store, by mail, on television and via the ‘net, it seems that he was pretty successful in spreading the word about GameStop’s various sales and special offers. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the extent of Olivera’s talents, as a newly uncovered federal indictment reveals that Olivera also has sticky hands. Very, very sticky hands.

According to the document (.pdf), Olivera began siphoning money from GameStop in July of 2009. Instead of just swiping a handful of bills from petty cash though, Olivera’s scheme was like something out of a lazy John Grisham novel. Olivera, the court claims, set up a company called Cloud Communications LLC that while innocuous on paper, didn’t actually exist in the real world. Nor did any of the Cloud Communications employees Olivera named as contacts when he used his VP position to hire the fictional firm as a PR consultant for GameStop. As he was an otherwise solid employee, Olivera’s colleagues saw nothing amiss in his interactions with Cloud, though all the while Olivera was redirecting all money paid to Cloud to his personal accounts.

Recommended Videos

In total, over the course of roughly two years, Olivera managed to steal nearly $2 million from the retailer before his larcenous efforts were discovered.

Now that the jig is officially up, Olivera has officially plead guilty to one count of mail fraud. That may seem minor, but the government takes the postal system very seriously. The maximum punishment Olivera now faces could include up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Of course, that’s before any civil action is taken against Olivera by GameStop. Given the huge amount of money the company lost to Olivera’s scheme, it only seems reasonable to expect that it would want to recoup some of its cash (or, failing that, exact a pound of flesh to set an example to future would-be thieves). We contacted GameStop and while the company refused to elaborate on its official plans for this situation going forward, it did confirm that Olivera left the company at some point during 2011. Though we pressed the issue, GameStop wouldn’t clarify why Olivera departed, though we have to assume that the discovery of his theft probably had something to do with it.

Earnest Cavalli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Earnest Cavalli has been writing about games, tech and digital culture since 2005 for outlets including Wired, Joystiq…
These Nintendo Switch games just got a HUGE PRICE CUT at GameStop
Person holding Nintendo Switch, looking at the home screen.

Nintendo Switch games don't go on sale as often as some of the other consoles, first-party titles especially. So, when there's a promotion or discount it's always best to see what's available and gauge whether or not you've been wanting a game, or two, or three. Besides the many upcoming Nintendo Switch games soon to release, there is an incredible selection of relatively new to old titles too!

One of the best things about Switch games is that you can also grab them pre-owned without missing out on anything major -- they don't typically include download codes and most downloadable items are free. That allows you to get them cheaper than full price, alongside new copies that go on sale. You can choose either option, going with whatever matches your budget. It's the perfect time to mention that GameStop is hosting a sale on many Switch games right now, with some truly excellent prices. You can browse the sale yourself, or see our top picks below.

Read more
GameStop’s PC gaming hardware and accessories selection just gets better and better
CLX SET TGMSETRTH0A17BR Desktop PC VR Ready made to order desktop.

Did you know that GameStop now carries PC gaming peripherals and accessories? What about PC gaming hardware like pre-built desktops, components, and beyond? Yep, as part of its recent rebranding initiatives, GameStop now carries a ton of really cool stuff. Not that it didn't before, but it was best known for its pre-owned gaming gear namely for consoles. We're bringing it up because as we inch closer to the holidays, you're gonna need gift ideas, new places to seek out items that are out of stock elsewhere, or just another opportunity to spend gift cards or gift money.

You may or may not already know about they're awesome pre-owned gaming bundles. In one of the coolest yet unexpected twists, GameStop also carries a ton of unique accessories and collectibles like an electronic replica of Thor's Stormbreaker Axe from Avengers: Endgame. But you'll also find monitors, desktops, components -- PC parts -- accessories like headsets, peripherals, and so much more. Sure, you can always head on over to GameStop to check out what's available, but you can also keep reading to see some of our favorites!

Read more
GameStop’s pre-owned bundle deals are the best way to experience classic games
GameStop pre-owned PS4 bundle with Naughty Dog games.

Normally, when you purchase a new console, you have to buy the games and accessories separately. One of the best things about buying pre-owned systems, however, is that you can take advantage of bundle offers, many of which include games. That way, you can start playing some awesome titles right when you get home and get everything set up.

If that's the kind of thing you're looking for, GameStop is hands down the best place to go. Even some of the latest gaming deals don't have anything on these bundles! GameStop has put some incredible collections together, and several are appropriately titled Blast from the Past bundles. Some include a console and controller, while others include just the games. PlayStation 4 players have the most to choose from, but there are some Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch bundles too! You can check out more about those below, or jump right to the pre-owned section at GameStop!

Read more