Kim Dotcom court order 'null and void'

By Shane Richmond, Head of Technology (Editorial)

 

 

The internet millionaire had his property and money seized when he was arrested at his New Zealand mansion in January. Dotcom was held for a month before being released on bail.

 

On Friday, a New Zealand judge ruled that the court order under which Dotcom's property was seized was "null and void". Police had admitted to a "procedural error" when filing documents under which Dotcom's property was seized, the New Zealand Herald reported.

 

A new ruling is expected from Justice Judith Potter to determine whether Dotcom's property should be returned to him.

 

US authorities claim Megaupload cost movie makers and songwriters some half a billion dollars in lost copyright revenue. They are trying to extradite Dotcom, 28, and three of his colleagues on racketeering charges.

 

New Zealand authorities have seized millions of dollars in investments and assets owned by Dotcom, including luxury cars and artworks.

 

When Dotcom was released on bail last month, Judge Nevin Dawson, of the North Shore District Court, ruled that the German-born entrepreneur did not pose a flight risk because his assets had been confiscated.

 

Dotcom was born Kim Schmitz but legally changed his name. He is a citizen of both Germany and Finland and was granted New Zealand residency in 2010. He has also lived in Hong Kong, where the Megaupload company is registered.

 

He was arrested in January along with three other Megaupload executives. The group, dubbed by prosecutors as "Mega Conspiracy," was accused of engaging in a scheme that took more than $500 million away from copyright holders and generated over $175 million in proceeds from subscriptions and advertising.

 

Megaupload has boasted of having more than 150 million registered users and 50 million daily visitors, according to the indictment. At one point, it was estimated to be the 13th most frequently visited website on the internet.

 

Dotcom denies the charges. Telegraph