Kim Dotcom to be extradited to U.S. for copyright case

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Kim Dotcom, the founder of the now-defunct file-sharing site Megaupload, has lost a protracted 12-year legal battle to prevent his extradition from New Zealand to the United States. New Zealand’s Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced on Friday that Dotcom would be surrendered to face serious charges, including copyright infringement, money laundering, and racketeering. While a specific extradition date has not been set, Dotcom has been granted a brief period to seek legal advice regarding the decision. Dotcom, who took to social media to express his defiance, stated, “Don’t worry I have a plan,” although he did not provide further details. His legal team is reportedly preparing a bid for a judicial review of Goldsmith’s decision. The legal saga began with Dotcom's dramatic arrest in 2012 during a police raid on his Auckland mansion, which was part of a broader investigation into Megaupload's operations, accused of facilitating over $500 million in digital piracy. The case has seen various developments over the years, including a 2021 ruling by New Zealand’s Supreme Court allowing for Dotcom's extradition. Two of his former associates have already pleaded guilty to related charges and received prison sentences, while a fourth co-defendant passed away in 2022. Dotcom has consistently maintained that he should not be held liable for the actions of users who misused his platform.