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Kim Dotcom banned from using internet, helicopters

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Kim Dotcom granted bail

3News NZ

Kim Dotcom

Kim Dotcom

By Dan Satherley / NZN

Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom has been granted bail after a judge ruled he was not enough of a flight risk to keep in custody – but he is not allowed to use the internet.

Dotcom and three other men were arrested at Dotcom's $30 million rented mansion in Coatesville, Auckland, in a police raid on January 20.

They face charges in the US of racketeering, copyright infringement and money laundering and are awaiting proceedings to extradite them to the US.

Dotcom has denied any wrongdoing.

The prosecution alleged that as "a wealthy man", Dotcom would have the resources to fund an escape from New Zealand. But District Court Judge Nevin Dawson disagreed, saying Dotcom had "every reason to stay" in New Zealand.

"The disposition that he is wealthy and must have more assets is not evidence," says Judge Dawson.

"It would seem that he has every reason to stay (in New Zealand) to be with his family and to fight to keep his significant assets."

Dotcom has been banned from using the internet or helicopters while on bail.

A date for the extradition hearing was expected to be set in the North Shore District Court today.

Dotcom, who is a German national and holds New Zealand residency, was the only accused who remained in custody in New Zealand following successful bail bids for his co-accused.

Dotcom was previously denied bail by Judge David McNaughton, who considered the internet millionaire a flight risk. Dotcom, who has a family here, said he had no intention of fleeing.

Another man has been arrested in the Netherlands, while two other suspects remain at large.

A new indictment, filed in a US court and released on Friday, adds eight additional charges of copyright infringement and wire fraud against Dotcom, six Megaupload employees and two related companies.

It is alleged the group, labelled by the FBI as the 'Mega Conspiracy', amassed $NZ216 million in criminal proceeds through the website.

3 News / NZN

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Comments

23/02/2012 1:45:45 a.m.

Thor wrote:

It's a crime against humanity. NZ is now the same as Syria. They lock an innocent man up for near 30 days. Raid his home and scare the hell out of his pregnant wife and kids, not to mention the staff. They bust down unlocked doors and generally vandalize the place. All this without a shred of evidence proved in a court of law, only mere accusations from the NZ police who are puppets to the FBI. Then without any conviction they bail him to his home, his assests and bank accounts siezed, and ankle braclet around his leg, conditions of not being able to enter his mansion, and not to drive more than 80Km from home also having to report to police if he leaves his estate. Remember. Dotcom hasn't even being convicted of any crime yet. This smells of political interference. Who? Well, lets just say the only ones to gain anything are the US, Hollywood and our own NZ Government. Do we really think that Dotcom would ever get a fair trial in the US? Of course not. NZ has become a partner with the US in taking away the human rights of not just Dotcom but all of us who value what freedom stands for.

23/02/2012 1:36:22 a.m.

jan.. wrote:

Nothing official yet but his bail is granted, and Police are no fools but introducing this Dotcom to all New Zealanders with nothing to hide.. All New Zealanders will live in Peace knowing this Dotcom a no criminal or a no terrorist..
All new arrival to Kiwi should be checked out like Dotcom and for the safety of our people and country is a must..


22/02/2012 7:45:45 p.m.

Damian wrote:

I think the NZ police will be left looking like fools after their over zealous raid on Mr Dotcom and his family. We don't treat murderers or rapists like this, everyone who ever made a "mix tape" back in the day or copied a video, or has up/downloaded a movie is as guilty as this man the U.S has just thrown money laundering in to make it a criminal case. Copyright infringement is a Civil suit. What if he is found not guilty? Will the NZ taxpayer have to foot the bill if he goes for compensation?

22/02/2012 5:53:54 p.m.

Wow wrote:

And I was wondering for how long the prosecution can use "He is rich, he must have other accounts" line without actually having to prove it. It's incredible that in modern system a line like that could even be used in court. Next thing you know, defendants will have to prove they're not guilty (we're half way there, though).

22/02/2012 5:12:28 p.m.

Arisa wrote:

...I really don't think that anyone knows why Kim Dotcom has been arrested in the first place... Plus not to mention the police has still have not justify why they arrested... but i think that i already have a clear view on why he got arrested and some others for the same crime

22/02/2012 4:30:16 p.m.

key wrote:

Correct Kelv.And how stupid, no internet or copter rides.He can get someone else to do the net fingerwork for him and if no copters, what about small planes ?.BS.BTW , apparently in Germany nobody really cares about him.

22/02/2012 3:05:42 p.m.

Sceptic wrote:

Still waiting for the Police to explain and justify their use of resources arresting this Kim Dotcom. A team of the Armed Offenders Squad absailing down from a helicopter for one man that hasn't presented a threat? Not to mention the rest of the officers involved.

22/02/2012 2:30:24 p.m.

Kevin M wrote:

Should never have been arrested

22/02/2012 1:54:14 p.m.

Al wrote:



@ Martin. First of all Mr Dotcom is a NZ resident, and will have a NZ IRD number, and hires NZ staff, so he will be paying NZ taxes,and so will his staff. NZ authorities can't take anything from Mr Dotcom anyway, he's committed no crime in this country.

Secondly, NZ won't see any benefit from the confiscated assets if Mr Dotcom is extradited, The USA will take the bloody lot, that's how crooked they are.

I'm not so sure that Mr Dotcom will get a fair trial in a US court, their justice system is pretty corrupt.

I would imagine that the evidence required here to secure an extradition order would be greater than what would be required to convict Mr Dotcom in a U.S court.

I simply don't believe Mr Dotcom has done anything wrong.

And a message to those authorities who've been butt-kissing the FBI, leave the American butt-kissing to the Austrailians... they're much better at it than we are.

22/02/2012 1:30:28 p.m.

John wrote:

Brilliant - "innocent until proven guilty" prevails! About time! If he's found guilty, THEN you can keep him locked up. Until then he should be allowed to walk his dog and take his kids to the park... maybe enjoy some fish and chips :)