Megaupload founder requests the return of property confiscated
The defense of the founder of Megaupload, Kim Schimtz or Dotcom, today asked the High Court of New Zealand the return of property seized from his client, required by the United States for an alleged offense of hacking.
Judge Judith Potter announced in late April that will issue a written decision on the application filed by the lawyers, who asked to be returned the car, property and money confiscated from Dotcom in January.
On March 19 the same judge declared “null” the confiscation order finding that had been issued in a “premature” and “wrong” and since then, an interim order is in force.
During today’s hearing the legal representatives of the United States pursued a permanent order.
The defense, however, argued that the procedure was not authorized by the Attorney General, the appropriate body under the laws of New Zealand, and that, consequently, the order should not be issued.
Megaupload founder is on probation pending in August begins the process of extradition to the United States.
Dotcom and three other executives were arrested Megaupload January 20 in Auckland as part of an international operation against piracy undertaken by the United States, which also involved the closure of the portal, the confiscation of property and detentions in Europe.
U.S. wants judge Megaupload seven executives, including a Dotcom and three executives arrested in New Zealand, various hacking crimes, organized crime and money laundering.
The Washington authorities accuse the download portal to intellectual property damage exceeding $ 500 million (379 million) and of having illegally obtained income of over $ 175 million.
Category: Personal Finance
