Computer characters mugged in virtual crime spree

NewScientist.com news service
Will Knight

A man has been arrested in Japan on suspicion carrying out a virtual mugging spree by using software "bots" to beat up and rob characters in the online computer game Lineage II. The stolen virtual possessions were then exchanged for real cash.

Several players had their characters beaten and robbed of valuable virtual objects, which could have included the Earring of Wisdom or the Shield of Nightmare.

What I wouldn't give for the Shield of Nightmare.

And what does 'could have included' mean? Could have...well, were they included or weren't they? Is Japan so far away that some information gets lost when gathering details for this article?