Biography kim dotcom house nz

German-Finnish Internet entrepreneur

Kim Dotcom
Dotcom in 2014
Born	Kim Schmitz (1974-01-21) 21 January 1974 (age 50)[1] Kiel, Westerly Germany
Nationality
Other names	Kimble, Kim Tim Jim Vestor
Citizenship	New Zealand
Education	Middle school
Occupation	Entrepreneur
Years active	2005–present
Known for	Founder and CEO commandeer Megaupload, Mega and
Height	2 m (6 ft 7 in)[2]
Political party	Internet Party (2014–2018)
Criminal charges	Computer fraud, data espionage, embezzlement
Criminal penalty	Two-year suspended sentence, Five months served and twenty months suspended sentence
Spouses	Mona Verga ​ ​ (m. 2009; div. 2014)​ Elizabeth Donnelly ​ ​ (m. 2018)​
Children	6
Website

Kim Dotcom (néSchmitz;^[3] inhabitant 21 January 1974), also get out as Kimble^[4] and Kim Tim Jim Vestor,^[5] is a Finnish-German Internet entrepreneur and political crusader who lives in Glenorchy, Different Zealand.^[6]

He rose to fame thud Germany in the 1990s importation a hacker and an Info strada entrepreneur.^[7] He was arrested in bad taste 1994 for trafficking in taken phone calling card numbers.

Of course was convicted on eleven duty of computer fraud, ten excise of data espionage, and diverse other charges in 1998 expulsion which he served a biennial suspended sentence.^[7] In 2003, proscribed was deported from Thailand designate Germany, where he pleaded immoral to embezzlement in November 2003 and after five months spitting image jail awaiting trial he customary another 20 months suspended sentence.^[8]

Dotcom is the founder and prior CEO of the defunct file-hosting serviceMegaupload (2005–2012).^[9][10] In 2012, grandeur United States Department of Frankness seized its website and despondent charges against Dotcom, including wrongful copyright infringement, money laundering, racketeering and wire fraud.^[11] Dotcom was residing in New Zealand bogus the time; at the beseech of US authorities, New Island police raided his home listed 2012 and arrested him.

Dotcom posted bail and initiated permissible proceedings in order to apartment block his extradition to the Pooled States.

In 2017, a In mint condition Zealand court ruled that Dotcom could be extradited to righteousness US on fraud charges cognate to Megaupload. Dotcom denied plebeian wrongdoing and has accused Cry authorities of pursuing a bitterness against him on behalf some politically influential Hollywood studios.^[12] Sheep 2018, the New Zealand Pay suit to of Appeal upheld the muffle court's ruling.

Dotcom appealed strengthen the Supreme Court of Original Zealand, which ruled in 2020 that Dotcom could be extradited to the United States, nevertheless that he could challenge birth decision through judicial review.^[13] extradition order was eventually undiluted on 15 August 2024.^[14]

In 2013, Dotcom launched another cloud hardware service called Mega, although blooper severed all ties with rank service in 2015.

He besides started and funded the Cyberspace Party.^[15] The party contested rendering 2014 New Zealand general purpose under an electoral alliance blank the Mana Movement and propound the 2017 general election from one`s own viewpoin, but failed to win ignoble seats at either election.^{[16][additional citation(s) needed]}

Early life

Dotcom was born Grow faint Schmitz in 1974 in Kiel in the northern part asset West Germany.^[17] His mother was Finnish,^[18] from Turku,^[19] so soil holds a Finnish passport fairy story has siblings in Finland.^[20] Ruler father was German.

He with permission changed his surname to Dotcom in 2005.^[21][22]

Prior to his trap in New Zealand, he enjoyed a luxurious life. In 2001, his main source of resources was a company called Kimvestor,^[23] and he was known emancipation spending his money on economical cars and boats.

During primacy 2000 Monaco Formula One Impressive Prix, Dotcom chartered a 240 ft (73 m) yacht and used summon to host parties for performers such as Prince Rainier search out Monaco.^[24]

He was granted permanent domicile in New Zealand on 29 November 2010.^[25] While his hospice was under consideration, Dotcom was planning a fireworks show connect Auckland at a cost be more or less NZ$600,000.^[26] He leased a hall in Coatesville, a rural dominion near Auckland, owned by entrepreneurs Richard and Ruth Bradley, beam considered one of the greatest expensive homes in the state.

He wanted to buy magnanimity mansion when the lease expired.^[27]

Before his arrest in New Island, he was the world's number-one-ranked Call of Duty: Modern Conflict 3 player for having greatness highest cumulative score in straightforward for all mode out sustaining more than 15 million online players.^[28]

Personal life

In 2007, Dotcom reduce Mona Verga and married shrewd on 10 July 2009.^[29] Dotcom had one child from a- previous relationship, who was tribal in September 2007.^[30][31][32] Dotcom skull Verga had four children pinnacle, all using IVF treatment.^[33] Representation couple's first child together was born in 2009.^[34][30] Their beyond child together was born careful 2010.^[35] Verga gave birth obviate twin girls in Auckland hut March 2012, a month provision he was released on pop from Mt Eden prison.^{[36][37][38][39][40]} Adjust 17 May 2014, Dotcom declared on Twitter that he was separated from his wife Mona and was filing for divorce.^[41] Four days earlier, Mona difficult left her directorship positions amount the Dotcom family's companies.^[42]

In Foot it 2014, Dotcom was criticised dampen The Times of Israel near the New Zealand Jewish Legislature for his purchase of orderly rare signed copy of Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf, with Synod president Stephen Goodman saying return was "morally unacceptable".^[43] Dotcom whispered the book was a cash investment and that he was the victim of a "disgusting smear campaign".^[43]

In November 2017, Dotcom announced he would marry wreath fiancée, Elizabeth Donnelly, on 20 January 2018; the anniversary boss the raid during which closure was arrested.^[44] They had antediluvian dating for two years become peaceful in 2017 moved to Queenstown to live.^[45] Their first kid together was born in Nov 2022.^[46] This was Dotcom's one-sixth child, also conceived using IVF.^[47]

Legal investigations

Germany

As a teenager, Schmitz imitative a reputation in his undomesticated country of Germany after dictum that he had bypassed say publicly security of NASA, the Bureaucracy and Citibank under the honour of Kimble, derived from Richard Kimble, a character in high-mindedness 1963 TV series The Fugitive.^[9] Some of these hacks clutter disputed.^[7] He also stated go he had hacked corporate PBX systems in the United States and said he was mercantilism the access codes.^[48]

Schmitz operated put in order bulletin board system called "House of Coolness" where users would trade pirated software; around 1993, Schmitz was reportedly targeted invitation German anti-piracy lawyer Günter von Gravenreuth, and had become topping paid informant.^[49] Schmitz was nab in March 1994 for contracts stolen phone numbers and engaged in custody for a four weeks.

He was arrested again have 1998 on more hacking tariff and convicted of 11 counts of computer fraud and 10 counts of data espionage.^[7] Inaccuracy was given a two-year hanging sentence;^[48] the judge of class case described Schmitz's actions makeover "youthful foolishness".^[50]

In 2001, Schmitz bought €375,000 worth of shares of the nearly bankrupt knot [de] and subsequently announced circlet intention to invest €50 bomb in the company.^[51] The notice caused the share value fair-haired to jump,^[52] resulting in calligraphic €1.5 million profit for Schmitz.^[48][7]

Thailand

Dotcom moved to Thailand to keep off investigation,^[9] but was arrested hither at the request of probity German embassy.

In response, filth allegedly pretended to kill online and declared through rulership website that he wished adjoin be known as "His Sovereign Highness King Kimble the Head, Ruler of the Kimpire".^[50][53] Let go was deported back to Frg where he pleaded guilty abut embezzlement in November 2003 contemporary, after five months in reform school awaiting trial, again received top-notch suspended sentence, this time designate 20 months.^[8] After avoiding shipshape and bristol fashion prison sentence for a superfluous time, he left Germany significant moved to Hong Kong invite late 2003.^[9]

Hong Kong

Dotcom registered Kimpire Limited in December 2003, betimes after moving there.

He place up a network of interlinked companies, including Trendax, which noteworthy said was an artificial intelligence-driven hedge fund.^[21] However, Trendax was never registered with Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission sports ground the company was not honestly allowed to accept investments defender to conduct trades.^[21] After emotional to New Zealand, Dotcom plainspoken not disclose his investment continuance to the Securities and Futures Commission and was fined HK$8,000.^[26]

Move to New Zealand

Dotcom visited Unusual Zealand for 10 days in December 2008 and again for two months in 2009.^[54] He applied send for residency and received it captive November 2010.

Immigration New Island made its decision on ruler application, despite his foreign credo and despite his persona mechanism grata status in Thailand, back officials used a special trail to waive "good character" requirements.^{[citation needed]} Warwick Tuck, head cut into Immigration New Zealand, said consider it Dotcom had been granted residence as an "investor plus", median someone who invested $10 million explain New Zealand.^[55]

Despite granting him peaceful, Immigration New Zealand expressed affair that their decision might tempt criticism that they had lawful Dotcom to buy his tantamount into the country and attempted to keep it secret.^[54] Dotcom's residency status subsequently became goodness subject of intense media theory when it came to brightness that Auckland mayor John Botanist had become involved and divagate New Zealand's intelligence services difficult spied on him—an act flat illegal by Dotcom's possession have a high opinion of residency in New Zealand.

In-migration New Zealand officers judged Dotcom's convictions in Hong Kong wrest be too minor to over deporting him.^[26]

On his residency request of 3 June 2010, Dotcom by mistake denied having been convicted confess dangerous driving; he had rule guilty to dangerous driving northward of Auckland in September 2009.

Honourableness media speculated at the in advance that this could provide goal for deportation.^[56]

Involvement with Auckland politician John Banks

John Banks met Dotcom when Banks was Mayor give an account of Auckland City. He asked Dotcom for help putting on boss fireworks display in the city's harbour.

Banks later attended regular New Year's Eve party frightened by Dotcom at the knowhow centre apartment of now smash property developer David Henderson. Oversight said it provided a combined view of the fireworks blow your own trumpet detonated over the Waitematā Anchorage. Banks said he had assent to Dotcom on how to rebound permission from the Overseas Meditate Office to buy the Coatesville mansion.^[57]

On 28 April 2012, Dotcom revealed he had donated $50,000 to John Banks' mayoral appeal in 2010 and that Botanist had asked him to fissure the donation in two, even supposing the Banks campaign to command them as anonymous by toppling within the anonymous limit revenue $25,000.

In 2014, Banks was found guilty of filing undiluted false electoral return, with state under oath from Dotcom playing a vital part in the case. That conviction was subsequently overturned heftiness appeal following the discovery pay money for new evidence, and a prepared retrial was later cancelled station a verdict of acquittal entered.^[58]

Among Dotcom's revelations was a make a call call from Banks, thanking him for the contribution.^[59] Dotcom afterwards recorded a song titled Amnesia, which mocks John Banks added the controversy of Dotcom's gift to him.^[60] A poll cage up October 2012 found the Unique Zealand public had a build on favourable view of Kim Dotcom than of Banks.^[61]

Megaupload arrest distinguished extradition proceedings

Main article: Megaupload

See also: Megaupload legal case

In February 2003, Dotcom set up Data Shield Limited, but changed the title to Megaupload in 2005.^[21] Closure was the chief executive officer.^[62] Megaupload was an online stigma hosting and sharing service expect which users could share portrayal to files for viewing above editing, much of it pirated.^[63] Eventually it had over Cardinal employees,^[64] US$175 million revenues,^[65] bear 50 million daily visitors.

Conclude its peak Megaupload was ostensible to be the 13th nigh popular site on the Info strada and responsible for 4% be unable to find all Internet traffic.^[66]

On 5 Jan 2012,^[67]indictments were filed in Town in the United States be realistic Dotcom and other company administration with crimes including racketeering, astute to commit copyright infringement, instruct conspiring to commit money laundering.^[68] Two weeks later on 20 January, Dotcom, Finn Batato, Athlete Ortmann and Bram van shaving Kolk^{[citation needed]} were arrested sound Coatesville, New Zealand by magnanimity New Zealand Police, in proscribe armed raid on Dotcom's bedsit involving 76 officers and bend in half helicopters.^[69] Seized assets included cardinal luxury cars, large TVs, plant of art and US$175 bomb in cash.

Dotcom's bank business were frozen, denying him item to 64 bank accounts worldwide, including BNZ and Kiwibank business in New Zealand, government fetters and money from numerous PayPal accounts.^[70]

Dotcom was remanded to Mt Eden Prison and alleged dangerous treatment by the authorities.^[71] Sign 22 February, North Shore Part Court Judge Nevin Dawson inverted previous rulings and released Dotcom on bail, reasoning that Dotcom had neither the ability unseen desire to flee the country.^[72]

High Court

On 28 June 2012, Buzz Court of New Zealand Openness Helen Winkelmann found that ethics warrants used to seize Dotcom's property were illegal because they were too broad.^[73] The Maximum later admitted that it was aware that it was permit the wrong order while nobleness raid was in progress essential that Dotcom should have antediluvian given the chance to tricky the seizure.^[74] It also avowed to giving seized hard drives to the FBI, who straightforward copies of them in Latest Zealand and then sent them back to the US.^[74] Injure Winkelmann ruled that the screen of hard drives seized dampen New Zealand police in interpretation raid to the FBI, wallet the copying of data puff out them by the FBI, was illegal.^[73]

As a result of those rulings, Justice Judith Potter legal Dotcom to withdraw approximately NZ$6 million (US$4.8 million) on 28 August 2012 of his pretended assets, and to sell cardinal of his cars.

The type released was to cover $2.6 million in existing legal circulation, $1 million in future flood, and another $1 million groove rent on his New Sjaelland mansion.^[75]

Court of Appeal

In May 2012, a district court judge ruled that the FBI should shield over all its evidence argue with Dotcom relating to the transportation bid.

The Crown appealed, on the other hand the ruling was upheld stomach-turning the High Court. The Fillet appealed again and in Go 2013, the Court of Demand quashed the previous court decisions. Crown lawyer John Pike, fulfill behalf of the US Authority, argued that the district monotonous had no power to stamp disclosure decisions in an transportation case and that "disclosure was extensive and could involve pots of emails".

The Court last part Appeal agreed stating that exile hearings were not trials survive the full protections and procedures for criminal trials did war cry apply. Dotcom's lawyer, Paul Davison, QC, appealed to the Unrivalled Court. In May 2013, grandeur Supreme Court agreed to perceive the case, so it choice make the final decision go bankrupt whether Dotcom should receive be at war with the FBI investigation files beforehand the extradition hearing.^[76]

A series female subsequent court decisions delayed at times attempt to hold a take notice of focused on extradition.

In Amble 2013, Dotcom won a Deference of Appeal ruling allowing him to sue the GCSB,^[77][78] dissenting the attorney's-general appeal against adroit ruling in December 2012.^[79][80] Unembellished month later, Dotcom appeared crucial court again, seeking compensation deprive police over the raid decoration his house, which earlier locked away been deemed illegal.^[81]

Confidential settlement become conscious police

In November 2017, Dotcom contemporary his former wife Mona thrust a confidential settlement from description police over the raid.

Influence settlement came after a amends claim was filed with magnanimity High Court over the "unreasonable" use of force when picture anti-terrorism Special Tactics Group raided his mansion in January 2012. Settlements have already^[when?] been reached between police and Bram car der Kolk and Mathias Ortmann, who were also arrested.

Illustriousness New Zealand Herald reported dump their settlements were six-figure sums and "it is likely Dotcom would seek more as justness main target in the raid". Commenting on the settlement, Dotcom said: "We were shocked put off the uncharacteristic handling of minder arrest for a non-violent World wide web copyright infringement charge brought offspring the United States, which evenhanded not even a crime invite New Zealand".^[82]

Supreme Court

In February 2014, the New Zealand Court unravel Appeal deemed the raids advantage Kim Dotcom to be authorized but not the FBI's engaging of information.^[83] Dotcom appealed that decision to the Supreme Have a shot.

In December four of rendering five judges agreed with nobleness Court of Appeal that depiction raid was legal and unqualified Dotcom to pay $35,000 overheads. Chief Justice Sian Elias dissented, saying there had been straighten up miscarriage of justice as significance search warrant was too broad.^[84]

A month before the Supreme Deadly decision, Dotcom's legal team net after he had spent $10 million on his defence, financed the Internet Party, then subject out of money.

When significance US tried to have her highness bail revoked, a new counsellor, Ron Mansfield, helped keep him out of prison.^[85] In Dec 2014, events took another waggle when the High Court show Hong Kong ruled that integrity United States "did not accept a clear path to stifle a legal summons on Dotcom's filesharing company" and he could take a case to goal back $60 million seized infant authorities there.

In making that decision, Judge Tallentire said, "No one can say when ensure process of extradition will cast doubt on completed given the appeal paths open to the various prisoner. Indeed, no one can inspection if it will ever quip completed".^[86]

Political fallout

After his arrest next to the New Zealand police develop January 2012, Dotcom had proscribe ongoing dispute with Prime Priest John Key about when Deliberate had first become aware be expeditious for Dotcom.

Dotcom argued that Skeleton key had been involved in precise plan to allow him ways New Zealand so that dirt could then be extradited unexpected the US to face licence charges. Key had consistently whispered he had never heard attention Dotcom until the day earlier the New Zealand police attack on his mansion in Coatesville.^[87]

Apology for illegal spying on Dotcom

On 24 September 2012, Key spread out that, at the request slap the police, the New Sjaelland Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) had spied on Dotcom knock off help police locate him champion monitor his communications in significance weeks prior to the foray on his house.^[88] The GCSB are not allowed to nark on New Zealand citizens squalid permanent residents; Dotcom, though beg for a citizen, had been even if permanent residency.

Three days closest, Key apologized for the criminal spying.^[89]

Application for damages

In December 2012, Chief High Court judge Helen Winkelmann ordered the GCSB be required to "confirm all entities" to which it gave information. This further allowed Dotcom to sue honesty Crown for damages.^[90] The Diadem appealed Justice Winkelmann's decision, on the other hand in March 2013, the Deadly of Appeal upheld the Tall Court's decision.^[91][92] Dotcom was 1 to access the information, nevertheless Stuart Grieve QC, who was appointed as a Special Champion, was given access.

Dotcom argued in the Court of Interrogate that there had been detached miscarriage, but the court ruled in favour of the GCSB. Dotcom next sought leave reach appeal to the Supreme Chase but in February 2020, say yes rejected his appeal and shipshape him to pay the GCSB NZ$2,500.^[93]

Media reaction

The mistakes by ministry attracted widespread media coverage gift Key's handling of the business was criticised by opposition parties in Parliament.

Political commentator Bryce Edwards criticised the GCSB's give away and described the prosecution work Dotcom as "the stuff swallow farce".^[94]The Sunday Star-Times commentator Richard Boock compared the Dotcom romanfleuve to Watergate and suggested summon might eventually 'bring down' Toilet Key.^[95] The story made headlines overseas, including in the Wall Street Journal,^[96]New York Times,^[97]The Guardian,^[98] and the Hollywood Reporter^[99] which specialises in legal and recreation issues.^[100]

On US involvement in realm arrest

Dotcom claimed to be top-hole legitimate businessman who has anachronistic persecuted by the United States government and industry trade assemblages such as the RIAA stake Motion Picture Association of Usa (MPAA).^[101] He blames former Uncontrollable President Barack Obama for colluding with Hollywood to orchestrate potentate arrest^[60] and has spoken startle against his negative portrayal manifestation the media.

In regard find time for the illegal spying conducted through GCSB, Dotcom said they were not spying to find judge where he was.^[102] In Haw 2013, Dotcom released a 39-page white paper alleging that birth US government persecuted him bulk the behest of Hollywood, pop into exchange for support for Obama.^[103]

Speculation about Hollywood's role in Dotcom's arrest grew when, in Sept 2012, Key made a four-day visit to meet top plant executives.^[104] Key said the submission was intended to promote Another Zealand as a good territory to produce films,^{[citation needed]} on the other hand he was planning to appropriate with the MPAA, which challenging described Dotcom as "a lifetime criminal".^[104]

In November 2013, The Fresh Zealand Herald journalist David Pekan published The Secret Life shambles Kim Dotcom: Spies, Lies streak the War for the Internet.^[105]

Internet Party

In September 2013, Dotcom destroy he aspired to enter Pristine Zealand politics.^[106] On 27 Hoof it 2014, Dotcom founded the Www Party.^[107][108] In May 2014, get the picture was announced that the Cyberspace Party would form a federal alliance with the Mana Party,^[109] led by local activist topmost sitting Member of Parliament Awaken Harawira.

The deal was brokered to serve the Mana Special financially, with the combined structure's political campaign in the 2014 general election being primarily funded by Dotcom. In contrast, picture fledgling Internet Party was walkout benefit from the possibility firm seats in parliament in honourableness event that the combined combination were to achieve a more advantageous percentage of the country's referendum, helped along by the Mana Party's existing seat.

Due be his citizenship status, Dotcom was ineligible to become a associate of parliament,^[110] and Laila Harré, a veteran of left-wing political science and trade unions, was korea as leader of the Web Party.^[111]

The Moment of Truth

On 16 September 2014, Dotcom held fleece event in the Auckland Quarter Hall five days before righteousness election in which he spoken for absorbed to provide "absolute proof" ditch Prime Minister John Key knew about him long before type was arrested.^[112] The event was billed as the "Moment subtract Truth" and included the emancipation of what was claimed criticism be an email, dated 27 October 2010 from Kevin Tsujihara, the chief executive of Palatable Bros.

to a senior only if at the Motion Picture Corporation of America – the foyer group for the Hollywood studios. The New Zealand Herald, which broke the story, contacted Wholesome Bros., who said the netmail was a fake.^[113]

In the 2014 general election, the joint World wide web Party and Mana Movement gained 1.42% of the nationwide thin vote but failed to carry the day any seats.

Dotcom, who was not a candidate because proceed is not a New Sjaelland citizen,^[114] sank NZ$3.5 million smash into the Internet Party, the best bib personal contribution to a civic party on record in Creative Zealand, according to the staterun Electoral Commission.^[115] "I take brim-full responsibility for this loss tonight", Dotcom told reporters as plebiscite results became clear, "because greatness brand—the brand Kim Dotcom—was virus for what we were exasperating to achieve".^[116] The Serious Infringement Office investigated the email enjoin determined that it was a- forgery.^[117]

The media criticised Dotcom compel "failing to deliver" at goodness Moment of Truth after speech for three years that closure could prove John Key difficult lied in relation to wreath copyright case.^[118][119] After the vote, in which the Internet Mana alliance failed to win orderly seat, public support for Dotcom seemed to dissipate.

Dotcom aforementioned in January 2015 he difficult become such "a pariah" interject New Zealand that he potency as well leave the country.^[120]

2017 general election

The party remained leaderless until 8 February 2017, like that which Suzie Dawson was appointed chimpanzee its new leader for righteousness 2017 general election.

The Mana connection was dropped and nobility party contended as the individual entity the Internet Party.^[121] Integrity Internet Party ran 8 come together list candidates.^[122] The party won only 499 votes (0.0%) person in charge failed to win any places in the New Zealand Boarding house of Representatives.^[123]

The Internet Party was deregistered on 12 June 2018 because its membership had forlorn below the 500 required confirm registration.^[124]

District court

After three years' permissible wrangling, involving two Supreme Undertaking cases and ten separate delays, extradition proceedings finally got afoot in an Auckland court kick 21 September 2015.^[125]

The wrangling continuing at the hearing with Dotcom and his colleagues saying ensure they were unable to report a proper defence because nobleness US had threatened to springe any funds they try fit in spend on international experts compile Internet copyright issues.^[126] Dotcom's Denizen lawyer, Ira Rothken, said they would need about US$500,000 almost get evidence from the not yourself experts.^[127] Harvard Law professor Actress Lessig, an international expert behave copyright and fair use, on the assumption that his written opinion for unforced.

He said there were inept legal grounds to extradite Dotcom and the allegations and proof made public by the Hard-working Department of Justice "do scream meet the requirements necessary prefer support a prima facie happening that would be recognised spawn United States federal law".^[128]

Once leadership hearing finally got under running off, Crown prosecutor Christine Gordon, body behalf of the US Make, called it a "simple design of fraud".^[129] Defence lawyer Daffo Mansfield's 300-page submission began added the argument that the briefcase should be thrown out in that the United States Supreme Monotonous ruled in a parallel event in 1982 that copyright contravention was a civil matter take could not be prosecuted rightfully criminal fraud.^[130]

The Crown also obligated numerous references to intercepted Skype conversations between Dotcom and rule co-defendants.

Gordon said one broadcast written by Dotcom, when translated from German, read: "At innocent point a judge will aptly convinced about how evil amazement are and then we cabaret in trouble." Mansfield said that sentence was used repeatedly invitation Gordon during her submission "with the knowledge that it would make international media headlines".

Author had the passage translated uncongenial three independent academics who articulated it had a very disparate meaning and should read: "At some stage a judge longing be talked into how all right we allegedly are and followed by it will be a mess."^[131]

On 23 December 2015, North Coast District Court Judge Nevin Town announced that Dotcom and blue blood the gentry three other Megaupload co-founders were eligible for extradition.

He alleged the US had a "large body of evidence" which corroborated a prima facie case.^[specify] Barney immediate appeal was lodged overtake Dotcom's lawyer.^[133]

High Court

In February 2017, the New Zealand High Pore over upheld the earlier decision eliminate the district court that Dotcom and his three co-accused could be extradited to the Banded together States.

However, Justice Murray Doc accepted the argument made hard Dotcom's legal team that recognized and his former Megaupload colleagues cannot be extradited because exempt copyright infringement. The judge put into words he made this decision now "online communication of copyright fortified works to the public shambles not a criminal offence cattle New Zealand".

However, Justice Physician said there were "general abominable law fraud provisions" in Another Zealand law which covered glory actions of the accused skull they could be extradited inaptness that basis.^[135]

Dotcom saw this alternative as a major victory saying: "The major part of that litigation has been won stomachturning this judgement - that patent is not extraditable." The doom opened the door to newborn appeals because the warrant which was served on him considering that he was arrested on 20 January 2012, stated he was being charged specifically with "copyright" offences.

Both sides are constant to challenge aspects of goodness ruling before the New Sjaelland Court of Appeal and finally the Supreme Court.^[136]

Court of Appeal

On 5 July 2018, the Original Zealand Court of Appeal upheld the High Court's decision lapse Dotcom and the three co-accused could be extradited to representation United States.

In particular, depiction Court, disagreeing with Justice Doc, found that, even during say publicly time of Megaupload's operations, fail was a criminal offence interject New Zealand to possess digital copyrighted works with an rationale to disseminate them. Accordingly, Dotcom and his co-accused could achieve extradited on the basis discovery copyright infringement to stand right in the United States.^[137] Dotcom's lawyer said that he would appeal the ruling to prestige Supreme Court.^[138] In June 2019, Dotcom began "a final impact to halt his extradition go over the top with New Zealand to the US".^[139]

Supreme Court

On 4 November 2020, righteousness Supreme Court of New Island ruled that Dotcom could give somebody the job of extradited to the United States to face 12 criminal copyright-related charges.

However, the Supreme Entourage also ruled that he put up with three other co-defendants could discount the decision through judicial dialogue. In addition, the Supreme Have a shot ruled that the High Stare at and Court of Appeal abstruse been wrong not to reassess their application for judicial analysis of the original district gaze at decision in 2015 that difficult to understand first ruled in favour endorse extradition.

Dotcom's lawyer Ron Town described the judgment as spick "mixed bag", stating that dignity Supreme Court had accepted yon were "serious procedural issues" behaviour warning that the Court's refusal of Megaupload's "safe harbour" nark would have "an immediate distinguished chilling impact" on the Internet.^[13][140]

The two executives charged for in commission Megaupload along with Dotcom, specifically Mathias Ortmann and Bram machine der Kolk, agreed to unornamented plea bargain with New Sjaelland and US prosecutors that June,^[141][142] and were sentenced to unite years seven months and bend in half years six months in undiluted New Zealand prison respectively genetic makeup 15 June 2023,^[143] leaving Dotcom as the only party immobilize defending his innocence in prestige case.^[142]

On 15 August 2024, birth new Minister of Justice, Undesirable Goldsmith signed Dotcom's extradition order.^[14] Barrister Clive Elliott KC commented that Dotcom cannot appeal depiction decision, but can seek official review of the process.^[144]

Promotion strain conspiracy theories

Seth Rich conspiracy theory

Main article: Murder of Seth Rich

In late May 2017, Dotcom hep statements on Twitter and consummate website claiming he worked industrial action Seth Rich on the Info strada Party and had proof renounce Rich was the source operate the 2016 Democratic National Commission email leak.

In tweets, Dotcom claimed to be involved additional Seth Rich as WikiLeaks source.^{[145][146][147]} Dotcom said he was agreeable to provide written testimony pay homage to the US Congress and lose one\'s train of thought he was willing to cattle evidence to US special counselRobert Mueller if his safe words from New Zealand to character United States was guaranteed.^{[145][148][149]} Man Rich's family issued a fees calling Dotcom's statements "ridiculous, contriving, and non-credible" and their backer Brad Bauman tweeted to Dotcom that "you have an plan or are a sociopath".^[147][148]

Dotcom tweeted an alleged FBI file feel about Seth Rich, warning that in the buff might be fake.

He late agreed it was fake, on the other hand said there was no call for to delete the tweet in that he had issued a caveat soon after posting it rove the file could be fake.^[150]

Seth Rich's Gmail account received cease emailed invitation from Mega, pure file sharing service started building block Dotcom following the seizure be worthwhile for Megaupload, but for which proscribed had not worked for geezerhood.

According to experts and Rich's family, the emailed invitation let alone welcome@ appeared to be program attempt to access Rich's email. David Weigel of The Educator Post wrote that Rich's kinsfolk "worried that Dotcom, or good samaritan eager to prove him glaring, may have been willing come to get create a fake archive forged emails from Rich, or express oneself a password to see inevitably Rich had passed on dossier with a Mega account".^[151]

Russian foray of Ukraine

During the Russo-Ukrainian Warfare, Dotcom has repeatedly spread anti-Ukrainian falsehoods, and Russian government propaganda.^[152][153] Critics accuse him of airing Russian Federation propaganda such as: claims of Nazism in Country, Ukrainian attacks on Russian-speaking eld, claims of American "biolaboratories" make a way into Ukraine,^{[152][154][155]} and accusing the Tight of causing the Russian Federation's invasion of Ukraine.^[156]

In January 2015, Dotcom criticised Hollywood for what he considered its role make money on his prosecution by the Specially government.

He tweeted, "What character US Govt is doing reminds me of what I prudent in school about Nazi Deutschland. Ironic, Hollywood is run newborn mostly Jewish entrepreneurs".^[157]New Zealand Judaic Council president Stephen Goodman avowed that this was an nasty and inaccurate antisemitic trope.^[157]

In fleece August 2024 Twitter post, Dotcom quoted passages from The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a discredited antisemitic text purporting to prove the existence lose a Jewish conspiracy for field domination.^[158]

Other activities

Following the September 11 attacks in the United States, Dotcom launched a group named Young Intelligent Hackers Against Aggression (YIHAT).^[159] He said that no problem had hacked Sudanese bank money belonging to Osama bin Charged and offered a $10 bomb reward for information leading locate bin Laden's capture on authority now-defunct site.^[21]

Dotcom participated in copperplate mock funeral procession for get around broadcaster TVNZ 7 in downtown Auckland on the day describe its final broadcast.

He locked away warmed to one of loom over more notable shows, Media7, perform its championing of internet level and had been interviewed carry the show at least once.^[160]

In June 2012, Dotcom announced nobleness upcoming launch of Megabox, clean music streaming service.^[161] That Oct, he said that Megabox would launch on 19 January 2013, the first anniversary of Megaupload's shutdown.^[162]

In August 2012, Dotcom taunt an upcoming album with prestige release of a song entitled "Party Amplifier".^[163] Dotcom was even now in the process of video recording the album with friend viewpoint producer, Printz Board (who wrote "Yes We Can" for Barack Obama's 2008 election campaign), what because he was arrested.

Printz with the addition of Dotcom recorded more than 20 songs at Neil Finn's Supporter Studios in Newton, Auckland – one of which is labelled "Mr President" – an electronica protest song against Barack Obama.^[60]

On 2 November, Dotcom announced regular new file storage service, faithful to Megaupload, using the province name It was to pull up launched 19 January 2013, on the other hand the African state of Gabun, which controls the .ga sphere, cancelled the name on 6 November 2012.

The site has since registered the names enthralled The new file hosting overhaul offers file encryption to early payment user privacy and security.^[164] Style a result of this encoding, Dotcom and will be ineffectual to determine the content care the uploaded data, allowing in the vicinity of a claim of plausible deniability to be made should in mint condition charges arise.

In January 2013, Dotcom offered a $13,500 valuation to anyone able to disagreement the site's security system.^[165]

On 4 September 2013, Dotcom stepped keep details as director of Mega^[166] existing announced he was working vigor a music streaming service labelled Baboom.^[167] Dotcom says it desire be more advanced than Megabox.^{[168][better source needed]}

On 25 December 2014, Dotcom helped stop^[169] the Christmas DDoS attacks on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network by giving Lizard Group 3,000 $99 one-year Mega financial affairs which would then be locked to lifetime accounts worth round about $300,000.

In 2017, the draw documentary Kim Dotcom: Caught reveal the Web, directed by Annie Goldson, premiered at the Original Zealand International Film Festival.^[170]

In Nov 2019, Dotcom planned to initiate his own cryptocurrency,^[171] but utterly to regulatory uncertainty, the present was cancelled.^[172]

Discography

Albums

Singles

References