Megaupload founder released on bail
WELLINGTON, New Zealand – Kim Dotcom, the founder of the file-sharing website Megaupload, was granted bail and released on Wednesday after a New Zealand judge determined that authorities have seized any funds he might have used to flee the country.
U.S. authorities allege Dotcom facilitated millions of illegal downloads through his company. He had been in custody since his arrest Jan. 20.
A smiling Dotcom spoke to reporters briefly outside the court as he was ushered to a waiting truck.
“I am relieved to go home to see my family, my three little kids and my pregnant wife,” he said. “And I hope you understand that that is all I want to say right now.”
He confirmed he would be fighting U.S. extradition efforts. Asked how he had been treated by the police after his high-profile arrest, Dotcom said, “Well, it felt a little bit like an audition to ‘American Idol.'”
Dotcom was released without any monetary bail bond, which is standard for cases that come before New Zealand’s district courts. He does have other conditions of release, but Ministry of Justice officials declined a request by The Associated Press to release those details, saying the AP would need to apply to the judge.
U.S. authorities claim Megaupload cost movie makers and songwriters some half a billion dollars in lost copyright revenue. They are trying to extradite Dotcom, 38, 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.
More Stories
LGBTQ USF students share concerns, expectations for 2023 Pride events
Roughly one year ago, communications sophomore Earnest Cherry came out to their loved ones. Now, after legislative changes and divisiveness in Florida, Cherry said they are scared to celebrate in the same way. Cherry said their concern extends beyond just this month’s events. “It’s scary to see what our state is becoming,” they said. “I […]
UPD to enforce body cams by August
The University Police Department (UPD) is expected to implement the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) starting Aug. 1, according to UPD Public Information Representative Michael Lavelle. All active patrols – consisting of 27 officers – and 15 officers of rank, such as sergeants and corporals, will use the BWCs, according to Lavelle. This totals 42 […]
USF joins the Association of American Universities
USF has accepted an invitation to join the Association of American Universities (AAU) according to a universitywide email from President Rhea Law on Thursday morning. The AAU is a “prestigious” group in higher education composed of 71 research universities, according to the email. Member universities earn the majority of competitively awarded federal funding for research […]
Students pleased, concerned for DeSantis’ 2024 presidential run
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a run for the oval office after months of speculation and rumors, leaving students divided in the wake – with some hoping for his victory and others going against it. Taking place in a virtual Twitter livestream hosted by entrepreneur and Tesla founder Elon Musk, DeSantis made the announcement on May […]
BOT ACE committee approves grant application, degree termination
The Board of Trustees’ (BOT) Academics and Campus Environment (ACE) committee approved a grant application for the Eileen Hoffman Hafer UMatter program, an updated Master Plan for ONE USF and the degree termination of the Master’s in foreign language education in a Tuesday morning virtual meeting. UMatter is applying for a grant renewal of $2.5 […]
New Nursing/STEM building at Sarasota-Manatee campus in final design stages
USF is finalizing the design for the new Nursing/STEM building at the Sarasota-Manatee campus to expand its accelerated nursing program, according to Regional Chancellor of the Sarasota-Manatee Campus Karen Holbrook. The 75,000-square-foot building was designed by Willis A. Smith Construction – a general contractor from Sarasota – architects and an ideation committee of around 80-100 […]