Megaupload seizures illegal says NZ High Court - Case in disarray

[Archean]

Megaupload seizures illegal says NZ High Court - Case in disarray

America’s case against Megaupload boss Kim Dotcom is looking increasingly shambolic, with a New Zealand High Court judge finding that the property seizures in January raid were illegal. Both New Zealand’s National Business Review and TVNZ are reporting that Judge Helen Winkelmann has declared the warrants used in the searches of Dotcom’s mansion were illegal.

Furthermore, the judge said it was unlawful for Dotcom’s data to be sent offshore.


Although the case isn't over as the judge also ordered the review of available data by an expert, it seems, in the short term at least, there will be not much to rejoice for the 'prosecutors'.

 

[Leeky]

Thank you for the tip Archean, we actually ran it on the front page on the same day.

Link is here: https://www.techspot.com/news/49184-warrants-used-in-megaupload-raid-are-invalid-says-judge.html

 

[Archean]

Glad to be of some help there mate, and I did read that news bit, thanks.

 

[bobcat]

The drastic action against him looked excessive from the start, whereas the legal case against him proved weak.

Yet, the feds got what they wanted, which was to scare file hosts and downloaders. As a result, many file hosts closed or changed policy, only allowing an uploader’s own files to be downloaded.

What’s more, Kim Dotcom is still not freed after six months, which is almost equivalent to him being found guilty and serving a sentence.

Though I cannot support piracy, this is not the way for so-called justice to work.

 

[Leeky]

Like you said, they've killed one of the biggest file-sharing sites to prove a point. I'm beginning to wonder if they ever planned to follow it through or not. If its thrown out the US Government should be paying compensation for what they did. Instead, they'll hide behind legal tape and allow Dotcom to use up all his personal fortune until nothing remains, then walk away.

I'll be very surprised if NZ ever allow him to be extradited.

 

[Archean]

Considering the legal systems of two, I'd back your guess that NZL may not allow dotcom to be deported to US. I think IF this case fall through (as many suspect), its ill effects will diminish over time, with them also the ability of USG to do much about newer/other sites (as long as they are careful). So in a nutshell, this case will hurt the 'prosecution' side more in the longer run.