- Kim Dotcom has vowed to continue fighting extradition to the US after judges have finally ruled on his case
- Dotcom has faced allegations of making a $30 million fortune from digital piracy on Megaupload, which he founded in 2005
- He has stated on X that he has no plans to leave New Zealand, hinting at a strategy to remain there
Activist Kim Dotcom, founder of the defunct blockchain-based micropayments company Bitcache, has vowed to fight extradition to the US after judges finally ruled on his case. The German-Finnish agitator is wanted by US authorities who allege that he made his $30 million fortune from digital piracy on the former file-sharing website Megaupload, which he founded in 2005. Dotcom, who lives in New Zealand, has been fighting the case since his arrest in 2012 and took to X to state that he had no plans to leave New Zealand, suggesting that he had a plan to remain there.
“Internet Freedom Fighter” or File-sharing Criminal?
Dotcom has long portrayed himself as an “internet freedom fighter.” His legal battles began in 2012 after a dramatic FBI raid on his Auckland mansion, which led to his arrest. Dotcom has since battled against extradition to the United States, where he faces several serious criminal charges, including copyright infringement, money laundering, and racketeering. If convicted, he could face a lengthy prison sentence.
At its peak, Megaupload had a massive presence on the internet, ranking as the 13th most popular website globally and accounting for 4% of all online traffic. The site generated millions in revenue through advertising and premium subscriptions, with users frequently sharing pirated films and music.
US authorities accuse Dotcom and three other executives of Megaupload of causing over $500 million in losses to film studios and music producers. Dotcom, however, has consistently denied encouraging or facilitating such activities.
“I’m Not Leaving”
Following his 12-year battle, New Zealand’s Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith this week signed an extradition order, effectively ending Dotcom’s struggle to avoid trial in the US. The decision has sparked renewed controversy, with Dotcom condemning the move on social media, calling New Zealand an “obedient U.S. colony” for extraditing him based on user-uploaded content on Megaupload and stating that the had no intention of going quietly:
I love New Zealand. I’m not leaving 😘
— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) August 15, 2024
Dotcom’s legal and financial troubles extend beyond Megaupload. His blockchain-based micropayments company, Bitcache, was liquidated recently due to unpaid legal fees, further complicating his financial and legal standing.
He also tried to launch his own cryptocurrency in 2019, but this fell apart before it could get going after Bitfinex pulled its launch.
