New Zealand Justice Minister Approves Kim Dotcom’s Extradition to the U.S.
After years of legal battles, New Zealand’s Justice Minister, Paul Goldsmith, has authorized the extradition of Kim Dotcom to the United States. The founder of Megaupload faces charges of criminal copyright infringement, racketeering, and money laundering, which could theoretically result in decades behind bars. Dotcom, however, insists he has a plan and has no intention of leaving New Zealand.
Over twelve years have passed since Megaupload was targeted in a major law enforcement operation, leading to the downfall of Dotcom’s file-storage empire. Despite the passage of time, the New Zealand-based internet entrepreneur has been awaiting the decision on whether he would be extradited to the U.S., where a criminal case is pending.
With so much at stake, Dotcom has spared no expense in his legal defense. Since 2012, millions of dollars have been invested in this ongoing legal battle, which shows no signs of concluding soon.
In 2020, the Supreme Court of New Zealand ruled that Dotcom and his associates could be extradited to the U.S. However, this decision was not final, as further judicial reviews and appeals were still in progress.
Two of Dotcom’s co-defendants, van der Kolk and Ortmann, eventually struck a deal, pleading guilty and serving 30- and 31-month prison sentences in New Zealand. Dotcom, on the other hand, vowed to “fight on.”
“I’m now the last man standing in this fight, and I will continue to fight because, unlike my co-defendants, I won’t accept the injustice we have been subjected to,” Dotcom stated two years ago.
Justice Minister Signs Off on Extradition
In recent years, Dotcom has remained in the public eye, often sharing controversial opinions on political and social issues. Meanwhile, the threat of extradition loomed in the background, culminating in today’s announcement.
According to Stuff, New Zealand Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has informed Dotcom of his impending extradition to the United States to face trial.
“I have received extensive advice from the Ministry of Justice on this matter,” Goldsmith said. “After careful consideration, I have decided that Mr. Dotcom should be surrendered to the U.S. to face trial.”
Goldsmith added, “As is common practice, I have given Mr. Dotcom a short period of time to consider and seek advice on my decision. I will not be commenting further at this stage.”
Dotcom has consistently denied the charges against him and has pursued every possible avenue in his defense. This latest extradition decision is expected to be contested as well.
Dotcom’s Response: ‘I Have a Plan’
The Ministry of Justice confirmed the extradition order earlier today. Dotcom disclosed the decision on social media earlier this week, referring to New Zealand as an “obedient U.S. colony.”
“The obedient U.S. colony in the South Pacific has just decided to extradite me for what users uploaded to Megaupload, unsolicited, and what copyright holders could instantly remove with direct delete access,” he wrote on Tuesday. “But who cares? That’s justice these days.”
Today, Dotcom reiterated that he has “a plan,” expressed his love for New Zealand, and stated that he does not intend to leave the country.