Kim Dotcom, the founder of the famous file download site Megauploadis about to be extradited to the United States after more than a decade. He was accused by US authorities of facilitating the illegal distribution of copyrighted content through his platform, resulting in multimillion-dollar losses for film studios and record companies.
New Zealand Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has signed an extradition order for the German businessman.I have carefully reviewed all the information and have decided that Mr Dotcom should be handed over to the United States for trial.“Goldsmith said in a statement.
It should be recalled that in early 2012, the Megaupload download portal was shut down after the FBI and other US agencies seized its domain. Kim Dotcom was accused of massive online piracy through Megaupload. Since then, the US has tried to extradite him several times, but without success. On some occasions, the local government has refused to hand him over, and on other occasions, Dotcom’s appeals have prevented his extradition.
What was Megaupload?
About 10 years ago, before streaming services existed, Megaupload became one of the leading ways to share files. Founded by Kim Dotcom in 2005, it allowed users to upload and download large files quickly.
Although it was initially presented as a tool for sharing large contents, Many used it to distribute movies and series illegally.reports Xataka.
The site gained widespread popularity by offering a fast, unrestricted alternative to traditional file-sharing methods. Users from around the world paid for premium accounts to avoid the speed and size limitations imposed on free users.
It is financial success allowed to Dotcom leads a luxurious lifestyleshowing off sports cars and properties on social media. However, the site’s widespread use for piracy has attracted the attention of authorities.
Why the authorities they put Megaupload in their sights?
According to the media Gizmodo, the American authorities with the help of the international police, launched a massive attack against MegauploadThe 72-page indictment, known as the “Mega Conspiracy”revealed that Megaupload, led by Kim Dotcom, operated ostentatiously, making money by illegally distributing copyrighted music and movies.
The site not only facilitated piracy, but also rewarded users who uploaded illegal content with premium accounts and cash.
According to the FBI, Dotcom and three other executives of Megaupload earned more than 175 million dollars illegally and caused damages exceeding 500 million dollars to copyright owners: film studios and record companies.
“This action is one of the largest copyright criminal cases ever filed in the United States and directly targets the misuse of a public content storage and distribution site to commit and facilitate intellectual property crimes.“the Federal Bureau of Investigation said.
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The end of Kim Dotcom?
As reported by Reuters, the New Zealand courts have given Dotcom a short period of time to consider the newly signed order, although it is not yet clear whether his extradition will be immediate.
The US Department of Justice said that once New Zealand is ready to hand him over, authorities in both countries will coordinate to carry out the extradition.
As for Dotcom’s response, he has not remained silent. Through several posts on X, has made clear his refusal to leave the country.
In other posts, Dotcom called New Zealand “America’s obedient colony in the South Pacific” and claimed the country had decided to extradite him over content uploaded by users to Megaupload.
In addition, in recent years, the businessman has been a constant critic of the United States. According to Xataka, he has spread conspiracy theories, including those related to COVID, and has expressed his discontent with the government on the X platform.