Kim Dotcom, the founder of the now-defunct file-sharing website Megaupload, is set to be extradited to the United States after a protracted 12-year legal battle. On Thursday, New Zealand’s Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith signed the extradition order, clearing the path for Dotcom to face trial in the U.S.
Dotcom, who has resided in New Zealand since 2012 and has been fighting extradition following an FBI-led raid on his Auckland mansion, expressed his disappointment with the decision. In a statement on social media platform X, he criticized New Zealand as an “obedient U.S. colony in the South Pacific” for approving his extradition over user-uploaded content on Megaupload. Despite the ruling, Dotcom reassured his supporters, stating, “Don’t worry, I have a plan … I love New Zealand. I’m not leaving.”
The Justice Minister has allowed Dotcom a brief period to review the decision and consult with his legal team. Dotcom may still appeal the extradition order as part of his next steps in the legal process.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged Dotcom and several associates with running a large-scale online piracy operation through Megaupload, causing over $500 million in damages to copyright holders. According to the DOJ, Megaupload generated $175 million in illegal profits by encouraging users to upload and share copyrighted content. The case, initiated in 2012, is considered one of the largest criminal copyright cases in U.S. history.
If Dotcom is extradited and subsequently convicted in the United States, he could face a lengthy prison sentence. The German-born entrepreneur has consistently argued that he is not liable for the actions of Megaupload users and that he has never resided in or visited the United States.
Dotcom’s extradition case has been a long and complex legal battle with significant international ramifications. The decision by New Zealand to approve his extradition is expected to draw considerable attention from the global tech and legal communities, as it could set a precedent for how cross-border criminal cases involving digital platforms and intellectual property rights are handled.
