Gamer Humza Bajwa is facing up to 15 years in jail if found guilty of second-degree robbery and grand larceny, after allegedly robbing a student using a fake gun.
Bajwa had arranged to trade real-world money for RuneScape gold coins with student Jonathan Dokler. Dokler sent his friend to complete the transaction (David Emani), who noticed during the meeting that the cash was counterfeit.
Bajwa - realising he had been rumbled - backed out of the deal, only to return the next day, this time equipped with a real $100 dollar bill, as well as $3,300 of counterfeit money.
Emani once again attended the meet, and after comparing the real note with the fakes, told Bajwa that the deal was off. At this point Bajwa pulled a replica BB gun and demanded the loot.
"I couldn't believe I was about to get shot over RuneScape! I was so scared I was about to die," said Emani to the NY Post.
Bajwa then forced Emani to call Dokler and complete the transfer of 4.7 billion Runescape coins electronically, which he did. At which point Bajwa left, leaving Emani shaken, but unhurt. After talking with Dokler and Emani and inspecting CCTV footage, police were able to apprehend Bajwa.
Jagex prohibits the sale of RuneScape gold coins for real cash, and may ban players engaging in real-world trading.