Kim Dotcom Lost Two Pounds in Prison

Megaupload’s Kim Dotcom was released from prison on bail. He says he will fight extradition to the US, but has already had all of his cash, prizes, cars, and precious things seized.

From the Telegraph here:

The founder of the filesharing website Megaupload, Kim Dotcom, was granted bail and released on Wednesday after a New Zealand judge determined that authorities have seized any funds he might have used to flee the country.

Dotcom, who US authorities allege facilitated millions of illegal downloads through his company, has been in custody since his arrest on Jan 20.

US authorities claim Megaupload cost movie makers and songwriters some half a billion dollars in lost copyright revenue. They are trying to extradite Dotcom, 28, and three of his colleagues on racketeering charges.

New Zealand authorities have seized millions of dollars in investments and assets owned by Dotcom, including luxury cars and artworks.

Pretty sure Dotcom is guilty of copyright violations in this case, but the idea of having property seized by one country for crimes committed in another is pretty chilling, even if the practice is normal.