New Zealand to extradite Kim Dotcom to US after 12-year fight

New Zealand is about to extradite Megaupload company founder Kim Dotcom to the US after a 12-year fight. New Zealand Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith revealed to hand over Kim to the US on criminal charges related to the no-longer active company Megaupload.

Megaupload provided online services regarding file-sharing and storage. Kim is a resident of New Zealand who originated from Germany. He has been resisting extradition to the US since 2012 when the FBI conducted a raid on his Auckland mansion.

However, Minister Paul has signed the extradition order of Kim to the US regarding the recent development. He released a statement saying he carefully reviewed all of the information. So, he concluded that Mr. Kim should surrender to the US to face trial.

🚨🇳🇿🇺🇸BREAKING: NEW ZEALAND SIGNS KIM DOTCOM’S EXTRADITION WARRANT

U.S authorities have been trying to extradite Kim for over 12 years over his role in the file-sharing site MegaUpload.

The case came after Hollywood filmmakers, large contributors to U.S political parties,… pic.twitter.com/aPHsmuD1c9
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 15, 2024

Paul stated he has also allowed Kim to consider this decision and take his advice for a short period as it is common practice. Hence, he won’t comment further on this matter.

However, Kim Dotcom responded stating the obedient US colony in the South Pacific (New Zealand) decided to extradite him.

Oops 😬 Don’t worry I have a plan 😉 pic.twitter.com/1ow9drHcfv
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) August 15, 2024

Click here to read the updates on UK Court to hear Julian Assange’s final appeal to stop US extradition

US Authorities claim that Kim and 3 other executives from Megaupload allowed and encouraged users to upload and share pirated content on Megaupload. This illegal activity of copyright infringement caused movie studios and record companies to lose over $500 million.

They also claim that Megaupload made a lot of money over $750 million by engaging in this criminal activity. He is also facing charges of money laundering in the US.

Following this, US authorities arrested Megaupload chief marketing officer Finn Batato and co-founder Mathias Ortmann in 2012.

Bram van der Kolk, a Dutch native was the third executive whom US law enforcement officials arrested the same year. However, the US trial of Kim was pending due to prolonged judicial procedures being national of New Zealand.