Kim Dotcom, Megaupload founder, denies piracy in N.Z. court
Mr. Dotcom appeared at a bail hearing Monday at an Auckland court after police raided his mansion Friday and removed him from a safe room where they say he barricaded himself.
The founder of file-sharing website Megaupload Kim Dotcom, a German national also known as Kim Schmitz, is seen at court in Auckland in this still image taken from video on Jan. 23. The founder of file-sharing website Megaupload was ordered to be held in custody by a New Zealand court on Monday, as he denied charges of internet piracy and money laundering and said authorities were trying to portray the blackest picture of him.
TV3 via Reuters
AUCKLAND, New Zealand
Kim Dotcom, the detained founder of the file-sharing website Megaupload, insists he is innocent and poses no flight risk.
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Dotcom appeared at a bail hearing Monday at an Auckland court after police raided his mansion Friday and removed him from a safe room where they say he barricaded himself.
Police arrested Dotcom and three Megaupload employees on U.S. accusations they facilitated millions of illegal downloads of films, music and other content costing copyright holders at least $500 million in lost revenue. Extradition proceedings against them could last a year or more.
At North Shore District Court, Dotcom's lawyer said his client denies all charges, according to media reports. A judge said he will rule Tuesday or Wednesday on whether Dotcom will be granted bail.
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