Kim Dotcom Extradition Hearing Begins in New Zealand

The site was shut down in by USA federal authorities in 2012, and prosecutors froze tens of millions of dollars in accounts in Hong Kong and New Zealand. His Megaupload site was once used by millions of people to store files and download songs and movies.

According to BBC, prosecutors need to prove that a crime was committed in both the US and New Zealand in order to initiate an extradition treaty.

“You’re not always positive because of the sheer power that is opposing you… governments, Hollywood, the recording industry and all they want is to crush me and I’m just one guy”, he said.

Christine Gordon, QC, on behalf of the U.S. government, said starting with the extradition eligibility hearing before hearing three different applications for a stay of proceedings was the “practical and rational” way forward.

Today, in an Auckland court, he finally faces the hearing he tried so hard to avoid. The case presented a false impression of criminality and the actions described in it were not prohibited by criminal statutes of the United States, he said.

The hearing is expected to last up to a month.

Internet tycoon Kim Dotcom says the prospect of being wrenched from his children is unbearable.

According to local reports, Monday’s District Court hearing was attended by a sea of lawyers and reporters, as well as Dotcom supporters.

However, Judge Dawson appeared to dismiss the claim, noting that the extradition application was being brought on the basis that the defendants had breached laws in the United States, not those in New Zealand.

Following on from the GCSB revelations, Mr Dotcom launched the Internet Party past year in order to contest the 2014 general election. Five days before the New Zealand election, Dotcom organised an event titled “Moment of Truth,” which featured journalist Glenn Greenwald, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange and whistleblower Edward Snowden. Government powers blame Dotcom for encouraging Internet robbery on an enormous scale and have accused him of connivance to confer copyright encroachment, racketeering and tax evasion.

Kim Dotcom and three associates confront a removal listening to that started Monday in an Auckland court.

Kim Dotcom also played a crucial role in the political demise and subsequent resurrection of former ACT MP John Banks. They were charged with widespread online copyright infringement, worth an alleged $175 million, and have been on bail since.