You can always explain people that what it is and use it if you have a permission.
In this case I guess the R4 is used somewhere where no permission has been asked.
Not accusing anything, just a wild guess.
We could always consider the alternate possibility...
He wants it in a public space at his home...but not visible in a way that someone would want to steal it
I mean...I wouldn't leave $1000 on the coffee table for 5 months hoping it will be fine.
Between the pets and beer spillage and rando's coming over...something would happen.
OP, I think that if you got a full ATX case and stood it on end...maybe that would work out for you. Head down to a thrift shop and see if they have any massive towers laying around.