Kim Dotcom, the controversial figure behind Megaupload, has lost another appeal in his prolonged battle to avoid extradition from New Zealand to the United States. New Zealand’s Justice Minister, Paul Goldsmith, has signed an extradition order for Dotcom, according to Reuters.
Goldsmith stated, "I have received extensive advice from the Ministry of Justice on this matter. I considered all of the information carefully and have decided that Mr. Dotcom should be surrendered to the US to face trial. As is common practice, I have allowed Mr. Dotcom a short period of time to consider and take advice on my decision. I will not, therefore, be commenting further at this stage."
This latest decision is another chapter in the long-running saga surrounding Dotcom's extradition, which has been marked by multiple appeals and rulings. Nevertheless, Dotcom announced on social media that he plans to appeal the latest ruling, claiming, "By the time the appeals are done, if ever, the world will be a very different place." The New Zealand Herald reported that the anticipated appeal could extend the timeline of the case by several more years.
Dotcom’s legal struggles go back to January 2012 when US authorities shut down Megaupload. Dotcom and others were subsequently indicted on multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit racketeering and copyright infringement.
Despite multiple New Zealand court rulings against him, Dotcom has managed to delay extradition. A New Zealand judge initially ordered extradition in December 2015, which was subsequently upheld by an appeals court in 2017 and again in 2018.
The New Zealand Supreme Court ruled against Dotcom and two other defendants in December 2021. While Dotcom’s co-defendants managed to reach a deal to face charges in New Zealand, Dotcom continues to seek ways to avoid extradition.
For the latest updates and comprehensive coverage, visit Ars Technica.