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'''Kim Dotcom''' ([[né]] '''Schmitz''';<ref name="name">{{cite news |url=http://www.news.com.au/technology/the-avish-life-of-file-sharing-kingpin-kim-dotcom/story-e6frfrnr-1226250461590 |title=The lavish life of file-sharing kingpin Kim Dotcom |work=news.com.au |date=22 January 2012 |access-date=23 January 2012 |archive-date=5 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005151418/http://www.news.com.au/technology/the-avish-life-of-file-sharing-kingpin-kim-dotcom/story-e6frfrnr-1226250461590 |url-status=dead }}</ref> born 21 January 1974), also known as '''Kimble'''<ref name="Kimble">{{cite journal |last=Schmidt |first=Karsten |date=23 January 2002 |title=Kimble bleibt stumm |trans-title=Kimble remains silent |language=de |journal=Manager Magazin |url=http://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/karriere/0,2828,178712,00.html |access-date=27 February 2012 |archive-date=14 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120214001745/http://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/karriere/0,2828,178712,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and '''Kim Tim Jim Vestor''',<ref name="WTKTJV">{{cite news |title=US Internet piracy case brings New Zealand arrests |first1=Matthew |last1=Barakat |first2=Nick |last2=Perry |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/20/us-internet-piracy-case-brings-new-zealand-arrests/?page=all#pagebreak |agency=[[Associated Press]] |newspaper=[[The Washington Times]] |date=20 January 2012 |access-date=27 February 2012 |archive-date=28 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428012913/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jan/20/us-internet-piracy-case-brings-new-zealand-arrests/?page=all#pagebreak |url-status=live }}</ref> is a Finnish-German Internet entrepreneur and political activist who lives in [[Glenorchy, New Zealand]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jamieson |first=Debbie |date=10 July 2022 |title=Dotcoms looking for nanny, chef and housekeeper at their $15m home |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/129222529/dotcoms-looking-for-nanny-chef-and-housekeeper-at-their-15m-home |access-date=10 July 2022 |website=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |language=en |archive-date=10 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010082125/https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/celebrities/129222529/dotcoms-looking-for-nanny-chef-and-housekeeper-at-their-15m-home |url-status=live }}</ref>
He rose to fame in Germany in the 1990s as a [[hacker]] and an Internet entrepreneur.<ref name=":5" /> He was arrested in 1994 for [[Smuggling|trafficking]] in stolen phone calling card numbers. He was convicted on eleven charges of [[computer fraud]], ten charges of [[Cyber spying|data espionage]], and various other charges in 1998 for which he served a two-year [[suspended sentence]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite magazine |last=Gallagher |first=Sean |title=The Fast, Fabulous, Allegedly Fraudulent Life of Megaupload's Kim Dotcom |language=en-US |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.com/2012/01/kim-dotcom/ |access-date=15 January 2023 |issn=1059-1028 |archive-date=15 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115112142/https://www.wired.com/2012/01/kim-dotcom/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2003, he was [[deported]] from Thailand to Germany, where he pleaded guilty to [[embezzlement]] in November 2003 and after five months in jail awaiting trial he received another 20 months suspended sentence.<ref name=":6" />
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In 2017, a New Zealand court ruled that Dotcom could be extradited to the US on fraud charges related to Megaupload. Dotcom denied any wrongdoing and has accused US authorities of pursuing a vendetta against him on behalf of politically influential Hollywood studios.<ref name="Eleanor Ainge Roy">{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/20/kim-dotcom-eligible-for-extradition-to-us-new-zealand-high-court-rules |title=Kim Dotcom extradition to US can go ahead, New Zealand high court rules |work=[[The Guardian]] |date=20 February 2017 |author=Eleanor Ainge Roy |access-date=23 April 2017 |archive-date=9 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409021923/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/20/kim-dotcom-eligible-for-extradition-to-us-new-zealand-high-court-rules |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, the [[New Zealand Court of Appeal]] upheld the lower court's ruling. Dotcom appealed to the [[Supreme Court of New Zealand]], which ruled in 2020 that Dotcom could be extradited to the United States, but that he could challenge the decision through [[judicial review]].<ref name=":0" /> His extradition order was eventually signed on 15 August 2024.<ref name=":8">{{Cite news |last1=Aikman |first1=Ian |title=Kim Dotcom to be extradited from New Zealand to the US |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y363lw204o |date=15 August 2024 |access-date=15 August 2024 |work=[[BBC News]] |language=en-GB |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816004911/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y363lw204o|archive-date=16 August 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2013, Dotcom launched another [[cloud storage service]] called [[Mega (service)|Mega]], although he severed all ties with the service in 2015. He also started and funded the [[Internet Party (New Zealand)|Internet Party]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walters |first1=Laura |title=Launch day for Kim Dotcom's Internet Party |url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9873341/Launch-day-for-Kim-Dotcoms-Internet-Party |access-date=16 August 2024 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=27 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207170559/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9873341/Launch-day-for-Kim-Dotcoms-Internet-Party |archive-date=7 December 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The party contested the [[2014 New Zealand general election]] under an electoral alliance with the [[Mana Movement]] and contested the [[2017 New Zealand general election|2017 general election]] independently, but failed to win any seats at either election.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Internet Party may try 2017 election |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dotcoms-lost-mana-but-internet-party-may-ride-again-at-2017-election/FL5FQ2YJWP4SC4NFFG73WRAKBU/ |access-date=15 January 2023 |website=
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==Early life==
[[File:Kim Schmitz cropped and edited.jpg|thumb|Kim Schmitz in 1996]]
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Prior to his arrest in New Zealand, he enjoyed a luxurious life. In 2001, his main source of income was a company called Kimvestor,<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Gallagher |first1=Sean |title=The Fast, Fabulous, Allegedly Fraudulent Life of Megaupload's Kim Dotcom |url=https://www.wired.com/2012/01/kim-dotcom/ |magazine=Wired }}</ref> and he was known for spending his money on expensive cars and boats. During the [[2000 Monaco Grand Prix|2000 Monaco Formula One Grand Prix]], Dotcom chartered a {{convert|240|ft|abbr=on}} yacht and used it to host parties for guests such as [[Rainier III, Prince of Monaco|Prince Rainier of Monaco]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Cassy|first1=John|last2=Snoddy|first2=Julia|title=The world of Kim Schmitz|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2001/jan/26/internetnews.business2|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=26 January 2001|access-date=28 March 2021|archive-date=9 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409021954/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2001/jan/26/internetnews.business2|url-status=live}}</ref>
He was granted permanent residence in New Zealand on 29 November 2010.<ref>Neazor, D.P. [http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/document/pdf/201239/Neazor%20repor1.pdf Report of Inspector General of Intelligence and Security] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220521132442/http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/document/pdf/201239/Neazor%20repor1.pdf |date=21 May 2022 }}, p 4, 27 September 2012</ref> While his residency was under consideration, Dotcom was planning a fireworks show in [[Auckland]] at a cost of NZ$600,000.<ref name="smh.com.au">{{cite news |title=Kim Dotcom's money won him New Zealand residency |url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/kim-dotcoms-money-won-him-new-zealand-residency-20120314-1uz6q.html |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald |date=14 March 2012 |access-date=6 October 2012 |archive-date=15 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115232047/http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/kim-dotcoms-money-won-him-new-zealand-residency-20120314-1uz6q.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He leased a mansion in [[Coatesville, New Zealand|Coatesville]], a rural community near Auckland, owned by entrepreneurs Richard and Ruth Bradley, and considered one of the most expensive homes in the country. He wanted to buy the mansion when the lease expired.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10626044 |title=Multi-millionaire hacker buys Chrisco mansion |last1=Lewis |first1=Rebecca |date=14 February 2010 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=21 January 2012 |archive-date=22 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122101028/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10626044 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Before his arrest in New Zealand, he was the world's number-one-ranked ''[[Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3]]'' player for having the highest cumulative score in free for all mode out of more than 15 million online players.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://venturebeat.com/2012/01/23/kim-dotcom-falls-modernwarfare-3/ |title=Arrest fallout: Kim Dotcom drops to No. 2 rank in Modern Warfare 3 |publisher=VentureBeat |date=23 January 2012 |access-date=2 May 2012 |archive-date=20 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420193125/http://venturebeat.com/2012/01/23/kim-dotcom-falls-modernwarfare-3/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Personal life==
In 2007, Dotcom met Mona Verga and married her on 10 July 2009.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11160836|title=Dotcom: When I met Mona, it all changed|date=22 November 2013|newspaper=[[New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=21 February 2017|language=en-NZ|issn=1170-0777|archive-date=21 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221112418/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11160836|url-status=live}}</ref> Dotcom had one child from a previous relationship, who was born in September 2007.<ref name="Dotcom fears for his kids' future">{{cite web | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dotcom-fears-for-his-kids-future/ND662GLPQAJFHT2XBLRGI3JYOE/ | title=Dotcom fears for his kids' future | date=6 August 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dotcoms-five-year-marriage-over/ISU2C2BE4WRNSBY7ZMU4KIHCDQ/ | title=Dotcom's five-year marriage over | date=6 August 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite tweet |last=Dotcom |first=Kim |author-link=Kim Dotcom |user=KimDotcom |number=244235998505086976 |date=8 September 2012 |title=It's Kaylo's 5th birthday today. Hurray!!! http://t.co/SoyV9Kgd |language=en |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606201027/https://twitter.com/KimDotcom/status/244235998505086976 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> Dotcom and Verga had four children together, all using [[In vitro fertilisation|IVF]] treatment.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/dotcom-when-i-met-mona-it-all-changed/BHU6DNJQTKDAPNRC6PZMYEQ27A/ | title=How Dotcom wooed his wife | date=6 August 2023 }}</ref> The couple's first child together was born in 2009.<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Dotcom |first=Kim |author-link=Kim Dotcom |user=KimDotcom |number=822578747119378432 |date=20 January 2017 |title=The birthday boys - Father & Son. Kim (43) and Kimmo (8) 🍾🎂🎁 https://t.co/RiqkknUhHS |language=en |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621232827/https://twitter.com/KimDotcom/status/822578747119378432 |archive-date=21 June 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Dotcom fears for his kids' future"/> Their second child together was born in 2010.<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Dotcom |first=Kim |author-link=Kim Dotcom |user=KimDotcom |number=234474829967921152 |date=12 August 2012 |title=... It's Kobi's 2nd birthday today. Woohoo. We will have some friends over later :-) http://t.co/Vyl2jusM |language=en |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423043929/https://twitter.com/KimDotcom/status/234474829967921152 |archive-date=23 April 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> Verga gave birth to twin girls in Auckland in March 2012, a month after he was released on bail from [[Mount Eden Prisons|Mt Eden prison]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/the-diary-part-one-my-kids-are-my-life-mona/3E2CWR65TDUGNXCNSJ762K7RPI/ | title='My kids are my life' - Mona | date=6 August 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/6634310/Kim-Dotcoms-wife-gives-birth | title=Kim Dotcom's wife gives birth | date=24 March 2012 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10780321 Dotcom birthday party targeted] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803165033/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10780321 |date=3 August 2018 }} ''The New Zealand Herald'', 22 January 2012</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Megaupload's Kim Dotcom Fathers Healthy Twin Girls |url=http://wordswithmeaning.org/2012/03/megauploads-kim-dotcom-fathers-healthy-twin-girls/ |access-date=26 March 2012 |date=25 March 2012 |archive-date=31 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331214948/http://wordswithmeaning.org/2012/03/megauploads-kim-dotcom-fathers-healthy-twin-girls/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=twins_dad>{{cite web |url=http://torrentfreak.com/kim-dotcom-becomes-proud-dad-of-twin-girls-120325/ |title=Kim Dotcom becomes proud dad of twin girls |author=Ernesto |work=TorrentFreak |date=25 March 2012 |access-date=6 October 2012 |archive-date=2 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002025048/https://torrentfreak.com/kim-dotcom-becomes-proud-dad-of-twin-girls-120325/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 17 May 2014, Dotcom announced on [[Twitter]] that he was separated from his wife Mona and was filing for divorce.<ref>[http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/megupload-founder-kim-dotcom-announces-separation-from-wife-mona-on-twitter/story-fnet09p2-1226921592594 Megupload founder Kim Dotcom announces separation from wife Mona on Twitter] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025204057/http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/megupload-founder-kim-dotcom-announces-separation-from-wife-mona-on-twitter/story-fnet09p2-1226921592594 |date=25 October 2016 }} news.com.au, 18 May 2014.</ref> Four days earlier, Mona had left her directorship positions in the Dotcom family's companies.<ref>[http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/kim-dotcom-s-wife-left-companies-ahead-split-5975515 Kim Dotcom's wife left companies ahead of split] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706125143/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/national-news/kim-dotcom-s-wife-left-companies-ahead-split-5975515 |date=6 July 2022 }} tvnz.co.nz, 19 May 2014.</ref>
In March 2014, Dotcom was criticised by ''[[The Times of Israel]]'' and the [[New Zealand Jewish Council]] for his purchase of a rare signed copy of [[Adolf Hitler]]'s [[Mein Kampf]], with Council president Stephen Goodman saying it was "morally unacceptable".<ref name="TOI">{{cite news |title=Internet tycoon under fire for Hitler-signed 'Mein Kampf' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/internet-tycoon-under-fire-for-hitler-signed-mein-kampf/ |access-date=22 August 2024 |work=Times of Israel |date=27 March 2014}}</ref> Dotcom said the book was a financial investment and that he was the victim of a "disgusting smear campaign".<ref name="TOI"/>
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Despite granting him residency, Immigration New Zealand expressed concern that their decision might attract criticism that they had allowed Dotcom to buy his way into the country and attempted to keep it secret.<ref name="stuff.co.nz" /> Dotcom's residency status subsequently became the subject of intense media speculation when it came to light that Auckland mayor [[John Banks (New Zealand politician)|John Banks]] had become involved and that New Zealand's intelligence services had spied on him—an act made illegal by Dotcom's possession of residency in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand officers judged Dotcom's convictions in Hong Kong to be too minor to consider deporting him.<ref name="smh.com.au" />
On his residency application of 3 June 2010, Dotcom erroneously denied having been convicted of dangerous driving; he had pled guilty to dangerous driving north of Auckland in September 2009. The media speculated at the time that this could provide grounds for deportation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kim Dotcom didn't declare dangerous driving conviction |first=David |last=Fisher |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11350258 |newspaper=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=30 October 2014 |access-date=30 October 2014 |archive-date=29 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141029210018/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11350258 |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Involvement with Auckland mayor John Banks ===
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In February 2003, Dotcom set up Data Protect Limited, but changed the name to [[Megaupload]] in 2005.<ref name=Wired1/> He was the [[chief executive officer]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://financialpost.com/technology/megaupload-founder-kim-dotcom-released-on-bail|title=Kim Dotcom. founder of MegaUpload, released from jail in New Zealand |date=22 February 2012|language=en-CA|access-date=8 February 2020|archive-date=19 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919234429/https://financialpost.com/technology/megaupload-founder-kim-dotcom-released-on-bail|url-status=live}}</ref> Megaupload was an online [[file hosting service|file hosting]] and [[file sharing|sharing]] service in which users could share links to files for viewing or editing, much of it pirated.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sandoval |first=Greg |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-57362152-261/fbi-charges-megaupload-operators-with-piracy-crimes |title=FBI charges Megaupload operators with piracy crimes |publisher=CNET News |date=20 January 2012 |access-date=19 January 2012 |archive-date=21 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121033018/http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-57362152-261/fbi-charges-megaupload-operators-with-piracy-crimes/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Eventually it had over 150 employees,<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 January 2012 |title=MEGAUPLOAD - The leading online storage and file delivery service |url=http://megaupload.com/?c=about |access-date=2 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118204852/http://megaupload.com/?c=about |archive-date=18 January 2012 }}</ref> US$175 million revenues,<ref>{{cite web |last=Anderson |first=Nate |url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2012/01/google-cut-off-megauploads-ad-money-voluntarily-back-in-2007.ars |title=Google cut off Megaupload's ad money voluntarily back in 2007 |work=Ars Technica |date=20 January 2012 |access-date=27 January 2012 |archive-date=8 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708015105/http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/01/google-cut-off-megauploads-ad-money-voluntarily-back-in-2007/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and 50 million daily visitors. At its peak Megaupload was estimated to be the 13th most popular site on the Internet and responsible for 4% of all Internet traffic.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970204616504577171180266957116 |title=Department of Justice indictment |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=27 January 2012 |archive-date=15 July 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715035322/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204616504577171180266957116.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 5 January 2012,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/January/12-crm-074.html |title=Justice Department charges leaders of Megaupload with widespread online copyright infringement |publisher=United States Department of Justice |date=19 January 2012 |access-date=2 May 2012 |archive-date=19 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419042153/http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/January/12-crm-074.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[indictments]] were filed in [[Virginia]] in the United States against Dotcom and other company executives with crimes including racketeering, conspiring to commit copyright infringement, and conspiring to commit money laundering.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.docketalarm.com/cases/Virginia_Eastern_District_Court/1--12-cr-00003/USA_v._Dotcom_et_al/1/|title=USA v. Dotcom et al, 1:12-cr-00003, No. 1 (E.D.Va. Jan. 5, 2012)|website=Docket Alarm|access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=24 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924112353/https://www.docketalarm.com/cases/Virginia_Eastern_District_Court/1--12-cr-00003/USA_v._Dotcom_et_al/1/|url-status=live}}</ref> Two weeks later on 20 January, Dotcom, Finn Batato, Mathias Ortmann and Bram van der Kolk{{citation needed|date=March 2021}} were arrested in [[Coatesville, New Zealand]] by the New Zealand Police, in an armed raid on Dotcom's house involving 76 officers and two helicopters.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10856144 |title=Editorial: Kim Dotcom sets off year of fireworks for politicians |publisher=
Dotcom was [[Remand (detention)|remanded]] to [[Mt. Eden Prison|Mt Eden Prison]] and alleged poor treatment by the authorities.<ref name=will_beat>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10788982 Dotcom: I will beat charges] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216145031/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10788982 |date=16 February 2017 }}, ''The New Zealand Herald'', 1 March 2012</ref> On 22 February, North Shore District Court Judge Nevin Dawson overturned previous rulings and released Dotcom on bail, reasoning that Dotcom had neither the ability nor desire to flee the country.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17122866|title=Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom granted bail|publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=22 February 2012|access-date=22 February 2012|archive-date=19 July 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120719030910/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17122866|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== High Court ===
On 28 June 2012, [[High Court of New Zealand]] Justice [[Helen Winkelmann]] found that the warrants used to seize Dotcom's property were illegal because they were too broad.<ref name="nzh20120628">{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10816121 |title=Dotcom searches illegal: Judge |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=28 June 2012 |access-date=15 January 2023 |archive-date=7 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807151821/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10816121 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Crown later admitted that it was aware that it was using the wrong order while the raid was in progress and that Dotcom should have been given the chance to challenge the seizure.<ref name="Dotcom wins major victory">{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10816159|title=Dotcom wins major victory|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=29 June 2012|access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923214224/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10816159|url-status=live}}</ref> It also admitted to giving seized hard drives to the FBI, who made copies of them in New Zealand and then sent them back to the US.<ref name="Dotcom wins major victory" /> Justice Winkelmann ruled that the handing of hard drives seized by New Zealand police in the raid to the FBI, and the copying of data on them by the FBI, was illegal.<ref name="nzh20120628" />
As a result of those rulings, Justice [[Judith Potter]] allowed Dotcom to withdraw approximately NZ$6 million (US$4.8 million) on 28 August 2012 of his seized assets, and to sell nine of his cars. The amount released was to cover $2.6 million in existing legal bills, $1 million in future costs, and another $1 million in rent on his New Zealand mansion.<ref>{{cite news |title=Funds released for Dotcom's legal bills |url=http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/funds-released-for-dotcoms-legal-bills/story-e6frg13l-1226460951083 |date=28 June 2012 |access-date=28 June 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031082209/http://www.perthnow.com.au/news/breaking-news/funds-released-for-dotcoms-legal-bills/story-e6frg13l-1226460951083 |archive-date=31 October 2012 }}</ref>
=== Court of Appeal ===
In May 2012, a district court judge ruled that the FBI should hand over all its evidence against Dotcom relating to the extradition bid. The Crown appealed, but the ruling was upheld by the High Court. The Crown appealed again and in March 2013, the Court of Appeal quashed the previous court decisions. Crown lawyer John Pike, on behalf of the US Government, argued that the district court had no power to make disclosure decisions in an extradition case and that "disclosure was extensive and could involve billions of emails". The Court of Appeal agreed stating that extradition hearings were not trials and the full protections and procedures for criminal trials did not apply. Dotcom's lawyer, Paul Davison, QC, appealed to the Supreme Court. In May 2013, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case, so it will make the final decision on whether Dotcom should receive all the FBI investigation files before the extradition hearing.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10884084|title=Supreme Court allows appeal|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=16 May 2013|access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=10 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410114847/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10884084|url-status=live}}</ref>
A series of subsequent court decisions delayed every attempt to hold a hearing focused on extradition. In March 2013, Dotcom won a Court of Appeal ruling allowing him to sue the [[GCSB]],<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Dotcom-wins-right-to-sue-Govt-spies/tabid/423/articleID/289342/Default.aspx|work=[[3 News NZ]]|title=Dotcom wins right to sue Govt spies|date=7 March 2013|access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714134619/http://www.3news.co.nz/Dotcom-wins-right-to-sue-Govt-spies/tabid/423/articleID/289342/Default.aspx|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10869764 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |title=Dotcom wins right to sue |date=7 March 2013 |access-date=15 January 2023 |archive-date=21 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421165403/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10869764 |url-status=live }}</ref> rejecting the attorney's-general appeal against a ruling in December 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Crown-wants-GCSB-exluded-from-Dotcom-case/tabid/423/articleID/286755/Default.aspx|work=3 News NZ|title=Crown wants GCSB exluded from Dotcom case|date=7 March 2013|access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714150127/http://www.3news.co.nz/Crown-wants-GCSB-exluded-from-Dotcom-case/tabid/423/articleID/286755/Default.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/128063/judge-describes-dotcom-case-as-a-procedural-mess|work=[[Radio NZ]]|title=Judge describes Dotcom case as a procedural mess|date=14 February 2013|access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=14 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181214135637/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/128063/judge-describes-dotcom-case-as-a-procedural-mess|url-status=live}}</ref> A month later, Dotcom appeared in court again, seeking compensation from police over the raid on his house, which earlier had been deemed illegal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.3news.co.nz/Dotcom-back-in-court-to-sue-police/tabid/423/articleID/294275/Default.aspx|work=3 News NZ|title=Dotcom back in court to sue police|date=15 April 2013|access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=14 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714164526/http://www.3news.co.nz/Dotcom-back-in-court-to-sue-police/tabid/423/articleID/294275/Default.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Confidential settlement with police ===
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==== Apology for illegal spying on Dotcom ====
On 24 September 2012, Key revealed that, at the request of the police, the [[New Zealand Government Communications Security Bureau]] (GCSB) had spied on Dotcom to help police locate him and monitor his communications in the weeks prior to the raid on his house.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10836179|title=Dotcom: Illegal spying revealed|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=24 September 2012|access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=3 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803165040/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10836179|url-status=live}}</ref> The GCSB are not allowed to spy on New Zealand citizens or permanent residents; Dotcom, though not a citizen, had been granted permanent residency. Three days later, Key apologized for the illegal spying.<ref>{{cite news |title=New Zealand Prime Minister John Key Apologizes To Kim Dotcom, Says Spying Was Illegal |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/27/new-zealand-prime-minister-illegally-spied-on-kim-dotcom_n_1919275.html |date=27 September 2012 |access-date=27 September 2012 |work=Huffington Post |first=Dominique |last=Mosbergen |archive-date=29 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929222038/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/27/new-zealand-prime-minister-illegally-spied-on-kim-dotcom_n_1919275.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== Application for damages ====
In December 2012, Chief High Court judge Helen Winkelmann ordered the GCSB to "confirm all entities" to which it gave information. This also allowed Dotcom to sue the Crown for damages.<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10852335 Dotcom can pursue case against police] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601025058/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10852335 |date=1 June 2020 }}, GCSB, ''The New Zealand Herald''</ref> The Crown appealed Justice Winkelmann's decision, but in March 2013, the Court of Appeal upheld the High Court's decision.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10869764 |title=Dotcom wins right to sue |publisher=
==== Media reaction ====
The mistakes by authorities attracted widespread media coverage and Key's handling of the affair was criticised by opposition parties in Parliament. Political commentator Bryce Edwards criticised the GCSB's involvement and described the prosecution of Dotcom as "the stuff of farce".<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10836888 Political round-up: Growing anger over Dotcom fiasco] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923232316/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/opinion/news/article.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10836888 |date=23 September 2020 }}, ''The New Zealand Herald'', 27 September 2012</ref> ''[[The Sunday Star-Times]]'' commentator Richard Boock compared the Dotcom saga to [[Watergate scandal|Watergate]] and suggested it might eventually 'bring down' John Key.<ref>[http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/blogs/an-auckland-minute/7783889/Could-Dotcom-bring-down-Key Could Dotcom bring down Key?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803134103/http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/blogs/an-auckland-minute/7783889/Could-Dotcom-bring-down-Key |date=3 August 2018 }} Auckland Now, 9 October 2012</ref> The story made headlines overseas, including in the ''Wall Street Journal'',<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390443916104578021590722745574|work=The Wall Street Journal|title=New Zealand Admits Error In Dotcom Investigation|access-date=15 January 2023|archive-date=7 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107135821/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10000872396390443916104578021590722745574|url-status=live}}</ref> ''New York Times'',<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/04/technology/megaupload-founder-goes-from-arrest-to-cult-hero.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |work=The New York Times |first=Jonathan |last=Hutchison |title=Megaupload Founder Goes From Arrest to Cult Hero |date=3 July 2012 |access-date=15 January 2023 |archive-date=3 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180803134104/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/04/technology/megaupload-founder-goes-from-arrest-to-cult-hero.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''The Guardian'',<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/sep/27/new-zealand-apologises-kim-dotcom?INTCMP=SRCH |location=London |work=[[The Guardian]] |title=New Zealand PM apologises to Kim Dotcom over spying 'error' |date=27 September 2012 |access-date=15 January 2023 |archive-date=10 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510084049/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2012/sep/27/new-zealand-apologises-kim-dotcom?INTCMP=SRCH |url-status=live }}</ref> and the ''Hollywood Reporter''<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kim-dotcom-new-zealand-government-spying-373774 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Pip |last=Bulbeck |title=New Zealand Government Admits to Spying Bungle in Kim Dotcom Extradition Case |date=24 September 2012 |access-date=15 January 2023 |archive-date=9 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409021925/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/kim-dotcom-new-zealand-government-spying-373774 |url-status=live }}</ref> which specialises in legal and entertainment issues.<ref>John Key's Hollywood jaunt will be scrutinised, ''Dominion Post'' 1 October 2012</ref>
=== On US involvement in his arrest ===
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==Internet Party==
[[File:Internet Mana Party Tour 4 August 2014 03.JPG|thumb|right|upright|Dotcom at a political rally held by the Internet Party and Mana Movement]]
In September 2013, Dotcom revealed he aspired to enter [[Politics of New Zealand|New Zealand politics]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9113113/Kim-Dotcom-to-enter-politics |title=Kim Dotcom to enter politics? |publisher=[[Fairfax New Zealand]] |date=1 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109044456/http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9113113/Kim-Dotcom-to-enter-politics |archive-date= 9 November 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 27 March 2014, Dotcom founded the [[Internet Party (New Zealand)|Internet Party]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://internet.org.nz/news/4 |title=Internet Party now online for New Zealand |access-date=27 August 2014 |publisher=Internet Party of New Zealand |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903122841/https://internet.org.nz/news/4 |archive-date=3 September 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/9873341/Launch-day-for-Kim-Dotcoms-Internet-Party|title=Launch day for Kim Dotcom's Internet Party|publisher=[[Stuff
===The Moment of Truth===
Line 153 ⟶ 149:
On 16 September 2014, Dotcom held an event in the Auckland Town Hall five days before the election in which he promised to provide "absolute proof" that Prime Minister [[John Key]] knew about him long before he was arrested.<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11324988 Dotcom email is a fake – Warner Bros] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705175628/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11324988 |date=5 July 2020 }},''The New Zealand Herald'', 16 December 2014</ref> The event was billed as the "Moment of Truth" and included the release of what was claimed to be an email, dated 27 October 2010 from Kevin Tsujihara, the chief executive of [[Warner Bros.]] to a senior executive at the Motion Picture Association of America – the lobby group for the Hollywood studios. ''The New Zealand Herald'', which broke the story, contacted Warner Bros., who said the email was a fake.<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11325021 Who is Kevin Tsujihara, the Hollywood exec in Dotcom's big reveal?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721192037/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11325021 |date=21 July 2018 }} ''The New Zealand Herald'', 16 September 2014</ref>
In the 2014 general election, the joint [[Internet Party and Mana Movement]] gained 1.42% of the nationwide party vote but failed to win any seats. Dotcom, who was not a candidate because he is not a New Zealand citizen,<ref>[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29268823 New Zealand's National Party wins re-election] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211120001409/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-29268823 |date=20 November 2021 }}, BBC News 20 September 2014</ref> sank NZ$3.5 million into the Internet Party, the largest personal contribution to a political party on record in New Zealand, according to the national Electoral Commission.<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/19/world/asia/kim-dotcom-online-renegade-shakes-up-new-zealand-election.html Online Renegade, Wanted in U.S., Shakes Up New Zealand Election] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031084850/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/19/world/asia/kim-dotcom-online-renegade-shakes-up-new-zealand-election.html |date=31 October 2022 }}, ''The New York Times'', 18 September 2014</ref> "I take full responsibility for this loss tonight", Dotcom told reporters as election results became clear, "because the brand—the brand Kim Dotcom—was poison for what we were trying to achieve".<ref>[https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/21/world/asia/new-zealands-ruling-national-party-is-re-elected.html New Zealand's Ruling National Party Is Re-elected] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625012850/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/21/world/asia/new-zealands-ruling-national-party-is-re-elected.html |date=25 June 2022 }}, ''The New York Times'', 20 September 2014</ref> The [[Serious Fraud Office (New Zealand)|Serious Fraud Office]] investigated the email and determined that it was a forgery.<ref>{{cite web |last=Fisher |first=David |url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11820379 |title=SFO: Kim Dotcom's smoking gun email evidence was a 'forgery' |date=17 March 2017 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |access-date=22 May 2017 |archive-date=23 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170523142918/http://www.nzherald.co.nz//nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11820379 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The media criticised Dotcom for "failing to deliver" at the Moment of Truth after saying for three years that he could prove John Key had lied in relation to his copyright case.<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11325351 Dotcom telling the truth over email – Harre] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301040004/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11325351 |date=1 March 2020 }}, ''New Zealand Herald'', 16 September 2014.</ref><ref>[http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/dotcom-fails-deliver-claim-key-knew-him-6082768 Dotcom fails to deliver on claim about when Key knew of him] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706125710/https://www.tvnz.co.nz/national-news/dotcom-fails-deliver-claim-key-knew-him-6082768 |date=6 July 2022 }}, TVOne News, 16 September 2014</ref> After the election, in which the Internet Mana alliance failed to win a seat, public support for Dotcom seemed to dissipate. Dotcom said in January 2015 he had become such "a pariah" in New Zealand that he might as well leave the country.<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11381758 Kim Dotcom: I'm a pariah in New Zealand] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200810111018/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11381758 |date=10 August 2020 }}, ''New Zealand Herald'', 4 January 2015</ref>
===2017 general election===
The party remained leaderless until 8 February 2017, when Suzie Dawson was appointed as its new leader for the [[2017 New Zealand general election|2017 general election]]. The Mana connection was dropped and the party contended as the single entity the Internet Party.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Hurley|first1=Sam|title=Kim Dotcom's Internet Party names exiled citizen journalist Suzie Dawson as leader|url=http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11877476|access-date=7 October 2017|publisher=[[New Zealand Herald]] |date=17 June 2017|archive-date=7 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007120810/http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11877476|url-status=live}}</ref> The Internet Party ran 8 party list candidates.<ref name="2017 election candidates">{{cite web|title=Party and Candidate Lists for 2017 Election|url=http://www.elections.org.nz/news-media/party-and-candidate-lists-2017-election|publisher=[[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|New Zealand Electoral Commission]]|access-date=7 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007120507/http://www.elections.org.nz/news-media/party-and-candidate-lists-2017-election|archive-date=7 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The party won only 499 votes (0.0%) and failed to win any seats in the [[New Zealand House of Representatives]].<ref name="2017 general election results">{{cite web|title=2017 General Election – Official Result|url=http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/|publisher=[[Electoral Commission (New Zealand)|New Zealand Electoral Commission]]|access-date=7 October 2017|archive-date=7 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007120051/http://www.electionresults.govt.nz/electionresults_2017/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Internet Party was deregistered on 12 June 2018 because its membership had dropped below the 500 required for registration.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cancellation of Party Registration |url=http://www.elections.org.nz/news-media/cancellation-party-registration-0 |publisher=New Zealand Electoral Commission |access-date=20 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614021243/http://www.elections.org.nz/news-media/cancellation-party-registration-0 |archive-date=14 June 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
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==Extradition==
===District court===
After three years' legal wrangling, involving two Supreme Court cases and ten separate delays, [[extradition]] proceedings finally got underway in an Auckland court on 21 September 2015.<ref name=Guardian92115>{{cite news|title=Kim Dotcom in court for US extradition hearing after three years of delays|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/sep/21/kim-dotcom-in-court-for-us-extradition-hearing-after-three-years-of-delays|access-date=21 September 2015|work=[[The Guardian]] |agency=Australian Associated Press|archive-date=23 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923004606/http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/sep/21/kim-dotcom-in-court-for-us-extradition-hearing-after-three-years-of-delays|url-status=live}}</ref>
The wrangling continued at the hearing with Dotcom and his colleagues saying that they were unable to present a proper defence because the US had threatened to seize any funds they try to spend on international experts in Internet copyright issues.<ref>[http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/286343/dotcom-lawyer-accuses-us-of-'secrecy-bordering-on-deceit' Dotcom lawyer accuses US of 'secrecy bordering on deceit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705093140/http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/286343/dotcom-lawyer-accuses-us-of-%27secrecy-bordering-on-deceit%27 |date=5 July 2018 }}' Radio New Zealand.</ref> Dotcom's American lawyer, [[Ira P. Rothken|Ira Rothken]], said they would need about US$500,000 to get evidence from the appropriate experts.<ref>[http://m.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=11525855 Dotcom: $500K to fight extradition] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220201332/http://m.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=11525855 |date=20 December 2016 }}, NZ Herald</ref> Harvard Law professor [[Lawrence Lessig]], an international expert in copyright and fair use, provided his written opinion for free. He said there were no legal grounds to extradite Dotcom and the allegations and evidence made public by the US Department of Justice "do not meet the requirements necessary to support a prima facie case that would be recognised by United States federal law".<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11514142 No grounds to extradite Kim Dotcom, says Harvard Law professor Lawrence Lessig] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922213616/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11514142 |date=22 September 2020 }}, NZ Herald</ref>
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The Crown also made numerous references to intercepted [[Skype]] conversations between Dotcom and his co-defendants. Gordon said one message written by Dotcom, when translated from German, read: "At some point a judge will be convinced about how evil we are and then we are in trouble." Mansfield said this sentence was used repeatedly by Gordon during her submission "with the knowledge that it would make international media headlines". Mansfield had the passage translated by three independent academics who said it had a very different meaning and should read: "At some stage a judge will be talked into how bad we allegedly are and then it will be a mess."<ref>[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11538876 Kim Dotcom trial: Crown accused of incorrect translations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923222502/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11538876 |date=23 September 2020 }}, ''NZ Herald'', 2 November 2015</ref>
On 23 December 2015, North Shore District Court Judge Nevin Dawson announced that Dotcom and the three other Megaupload co-founders were eligible for extradition. He said the US had a "large body of evidence" which supported a prima facie case.{{specify|date=September 2022}}<ref name="extraditionlose">{{cite news|title=Kim Dotcom loses extradition case|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/75407880/kim-dotcom-loses-extradition-case|access-date=23 December 2015|archive-date=15 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115153855/https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/75407880/kim-dotcom-loses-extradition-case-files-immediate-appeal|url-status=live}}</ref> An immediate appeal was lodged by Dotcom's lawyer.<ref name="radionz.co.nz">[http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/292902/dotcom-case-'destined-for-supreme-court' Dotcom case 'destined for Supreme Court'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614094637/https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/292902/dotcom-case-%27destined-for-supreme-court%27 |date=14 June 2018 }}, Radio NZ, 24 December 2015</ref><ref name="extraditionlose_herald">{{cite news|title=Kim Dotcom Loses Extradition Battle, Appeal Made|url=http://m.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11565399|access-date=23 December 2015|publisher=
=== High Court ===
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On 4 November 2020, the [[Supreme Court of New Zealand]] ruled that Dotcom could be extradited to the United States to face 12 criminal copyright-related charges. However, the Supreme Court also ruled that he and three other co-defendants could challenge the decision through judicial review. In addition, the Supreme Court ruled that the High Court and Court of Appeal had been wrong not to consider their application for judicial review of the original district court decision in 2015 that had first ruled in favour of extradition. Dotcom's lawyer Ron Mansfield described the judgment as a "mixed bag", stating that the Supreme Court had accepted there were "serious procedural issues" while warning that the Court's rejection of Megaupload's "safe harbour" defence would have "an immediate and chilling impact" on the Internet.<ref name=":0">{{cite news |last1=Pullar-Strecker |first1=Tom |title=Supreme Court rules Kim Dotcom can be extradited - subject to judicial review |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/123270837/supreme-court-rules-kim-dotcom-can-be-extradited--subject-to-judicial-review |access-date=7 November 2020 |work=[[Stuff (website)|Stuff]] |date=4 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201104022240/https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/123270837/supreme-court-rules-kim-dotcom-can-be-extradited--subject-to-judicial-review |archive-date=4 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hurley |first1=Sam |title=Kim Dotcom's US extradition case stalls, Supreme Court calls for further arguments over copyright allegations |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kim-dotcoms-us-extradition-case-stalls-supreme-court-calls-for-further-arguments-over-copyright-allegations/EBZGWLCUKAL5XR5VCB2CN5MIQY/ |access-date=7 November 2020 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=4 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106175651/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kim-dotcoms-us-extradition-case-stalls-supreme-court-calls-for-further-arguments-over-copyright-allegations/EBZGWLCUKAL5XR5VCB2CN5MIQY/ |archive-date=6 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
The two executives charged for operating Megaupload along with Dotcom, namely Mathias Ortmann and Bram van der Kolk, agreed to a [[plea bargain]] with New Zealand and US prosecutors that June,<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1049-the-front-page-30038501/episode/10-years-on-how-is-the-96768724/?keyid%5B0%5D=The%20Front%20Page&keyid%5B1%5D=10%20years%20on%2C%20how%20is%20the%20Kim%20Dotcom%20case%20still%20in%20the%20news%3F&sc=podcast_widget |title=Ten years on, how is the Kim Dotcom case still in the news? |date=2022-05-11 |type=Podcast |language=en-NZ |publisher=[[New Zealand Herald]] |series=The Front Page |via=[[iHeartRadio]] |people=Damien Venuto, David Fisher, Shaun D. Wilson, and Ethan Sills}}</ref><ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last=Kapitan |first=Craig |date=2022-06-21 |title=Two Megaupload co-defendants end decade-long legal fight, admit guilt |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/crime/megaupload-saga-coders-bram-van-der-kolk-mathias-ortmann-plead-guilty/AYX6X6PPT6WRIHUMU3CJPEF4FA/ |access-date=2023-12-03 |website=
On 15 August 2024, the new Minister of Justice, [[Paul Goldsmith (politician)|Paul Goldsmith]] signed Dotcom's extradition order.<ref name=":8" /> Barrister Clive Elliott KC commented that Dotcom cannot appeal the decision, but can seek judicial review of the process.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Maher |first1=Rachel |title=Kim Dotcom to fight extradition, legal expert weighs in on latest legal stoush |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/kim-dotcom-to-fight-extradition-kc-barrister-weighs-in-on-latest-legal-stoush/2JKT3XNU3VFOPHHRORZAA4EVJM/ |access-date=16 August 2024 |work=[[The New Zealand Herald]] |date=16 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816005518/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/politics/kim-dotcom-to-fight-extradition-kc-barrister-weighs-in-on-latest-legal-stoush/2JKT3XNU3VFOPHHRORZAA4EVJM/ |archive-date=16 August 2024|url-status=live}}</ref>
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=== Antisemitic remarks ===
In January 2015, Dotcom criticised Hollywood for what he considered its role in his prosecution by the US government. He tweeted, "What the US Govt is doing reminds me of what I learned in school about [[Nazi Germany]]. Ironic, Hollywood is run by mostly Jewish entrepreneurs".<ref name="hollywood">{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=David |title=Dotcom upsets Jewish community |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/kim-dotcom-tweets-upset-jewish-community/Y523Z4Z2EFOFRJT5VBDY56C74A/ |access-date=22 August 2024 |work=
In an August 2024 [[Twitter]] post, Dotcom quoted passages from ''[[The Protocols of the Elders of Zion
== Other activities ==
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