Megaupload founder has faced copyright infringement charges since 2012
The government of New Zealand has signed extradition orders for Megaupload creator Kim Dotcom, ending a decade-long legal battle and clearing the way for him to be sent to the US for trial.
The US has charged the internet entrepreneur with racketeering, conspiracy to commit copyright infringement and conspiring to launder money, among other things. Dotcom has argued his company could not be liable for user behavior.
“I considered all of the information carefully, and have decided that Mr. Dotcom should be surrendered to the US to face trial,” Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said on Thursday. “As is common practice, I have allowed Mr Dotcom a short period of time to consider and take advice on my decision. I will not, therefore, be commenting further at this stage.”
Dotcom was apparently aware of the decision earlier this week, posting on X that “The obedient US colony in the South Pacific just decided to extradite me for what users uploaded to Megaupload.”
The German-born tech executive created Megaupload in 2005 and moved to New Zealand in 2010. The platform, which allowed users to easily upload and share content, ended up getting seized by the FBI in 2012.
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