13 replies to this topic

[UpNorth]

Not long ago the news about the filehost MegaUpload.com started to spread all over the net.

Quotes: " Megaupload, one of the internet's largest file-sharing sites, has been shut down by officials in the US. "

Source:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16642369

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204616504577171060611948408.html?mod=WSJEUROPE_hpp_sections_business

The court filing against MegaUpload is viewble through the second link. This was filied already the 5th this month.


We will keep you members and guests updated a.s.a.p anything important enough about this events occur. Stay tuned!

[UpNorth]

Quote : " Washington attorney Robert Bennett said Friday that he will represent the company, which was indicted in federal court in Alexandria Thursday on copyright infringement and other charges. Bennett is best known for serving as President Bill Clinton’s attorney when he was accused of sexual harassment by Paula Jones. He has also represented Defense Secretaries Clark Clifford and Caspar Weinberger. "

Full story here :

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/dc-attorney-robert-bennett-to-represent-megaupload-in-piracy-case-promises-vigorous-defense/2012/01/20/gIQAo7wzEQ_story.html?tid=pm_business_pop

I do wonder where this leaves the previous mentioned attorney Ira Rothkin that seams to been representing the MU up til now.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/megaupload-lawyer-qanda-on-doj-criminal-case/2012/01/20/gIQA3HJhDQ_story.html

At the moment there's flying around fake copies of MU and other crap for example on twitter. If and when MU would come back for real that info will ofcourse be posted here and we will point towards genuine sources a.s.a.p so stay tuned...

[UpNorth]

Quote: " Robert Bennett withdraw from the case because of a conflict involving at least one other client of his law firm. "

Source:

http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/01/22/megauploads-high-profile-defense-lawyer-robert-bennett-withdraws-from-piracy-case/

Only thing this really inform us about is that Ira Rothkin actually is still in the game. The other more interesting news is about the bail hearings. Judge David McNaughton delay the ruling until no later then wednesday because...quote: " due to the complex nature of the case ".

Source:

http://torrentfreak.com/judge-delays-megaupload-bail-decision-more-site-operators-arrested-120123/

This article also inform us about a lawyer named Paul Davison. Paul is the one thats on this case where it counts at the moment and I can guess Ira Rothkin is still located in the US and prepares for a case if dotcom would be extradited. I still find it very interesting why Ira dont update his twitter page about all this news and also not a single word on his lawfirms homepage. Blame it on too much to do I dont buy because he apparently have all the time in the world to answer questions.

As usual...stay tuned!

[WardsBack]

Seems all payhosts with any US connection have done a runner now.

[UpNorth]

Quote: " During an appearance in court today, his third in less than a week, Kim Dotcom was informed that bail had been denied. "

Source:

http://torrentfreak.com/megaupload-founder-again-denied-bail-high-court-appeal-launched-120125/

A “significant” flight risk!? For sure not through any of the normal legal travel ( airplane or boat ) options. I dont know how New Zealand authorities work with any case like this but sounds pretty stupid if they atleast wouldnt use his photo and body size information in there tracking system and then automatic would catch him if he would try. On the other hand money cant be a problem for Kim as I can guess his wife has alot so claiming from the lawyers part that he couldnt flee because all his assets and recorces been taken is not special smart. Also his history sorry to say speaks against him but a simple solution would be to enforce dotcom with a electronic foot shackle but for some unknown legal resons this might not be possible. The new ones even have gps.


The courts decision will immediately be appealed to the High Court according to Dotcom’s lawyer, Paul Davison and how long until we possible can see any decision from there I havent read about yet.

The story continue...

[UpNorth]

Quote: " Dotcom will remain in custody until at least 22nd February. "

Source:

http://torrentfreak.com/two-megaupload-ops-bailed-but-government-wants-surveillance-120126/

So no special update on his case until after that date I guess but dotcom is not...the whole Megaupload.

[UpNorth]

Its the extradition hearing that starts on the 22nd. Until then here's a small glimpse on whats going on:

[UpNorth]

Quote:

" Kim Dotcom has been released from prison after a New Zealand judge granted him bail. The Megaupload founder will be the subject of strict conditions including no Internet access after the prosecution expressed fears he might reopen the site. Dotcom will now continue his fight against extradition to the United States on copyright infringement, racketeering and money laundering charges. "

Source:

http://torrentfreak.com/megaupload-founder-kim-dotcom-released-from-prison-120222/

Great news atleast for him and his family. Normaly things like this can be a pointer on what will happen in the end but ofcourse nobody can know for sure. Hopefully we soon can get some statements directly from Kim or his lawyers. Stay tuned...

[Moose]

Another condition of his bail is that he is not allowed to use his personal helicopter. lol

Well, it's about time they let him out so he has a chance of defending himself in a proper manner. Just the way this all went down is ridiculous IMHO.

Moose

[UpNorth]

Quote:

“We’re going for this and we’re confident we’re going to win. It [the heavy handedness] went way too far, it was out of all proportion,” Kim told TorrentFreak. “We feel that the action taken against us was political.”

Source:

http://torrentfreak.com/megaupload-founder-kim-dotcom-were-going-to-win-120227/

Have tried to find any more statements from Kim or his lawyers but havent found any yet. Guess they wont talk much anyway and thats natural.

[UpNorth]

Quote:

" the US Government, argued yesterday in an appeal hearing that he should be put back in jail. Today they failed in that attempt and Dotcom remains a free man "

Source:

http://torrentfreak.com/megaupload-founder-defeats-us-govt-attempts-to-put-him-back-in-prison-120229/

Anne Toohey the prosecutor cant be too happy these days and specially the US feds. Talk about losing face!

Very interesting information is brought up in this article such as the extradition hearings will start in august but also that the judge Judith Potter ( not related to Harry Potter ) released NZ $74,000 from one of Dotcom’s seized bank accounts to pay creditors. Kim and his wife now asked for access to around NZ $220,000 (US $185,130) to cover their living costs including rent of their mansion, security guards etc. Personal I feel like they ask for this amount to cover their " way of life " rather then their living costs or what it actually would cost for them to eat and live like normal people but then again they dont live like normal people so wouldnt surprise me if they get this money.

Hmmm circus acts from both parts in this case? You be the judge...

[UpNorth]

Here it is...the first video statement from dotcom:

[UpNorth]

Just as I thought Kim is now quote: " granted a $60,000 a month living allowance. " Cha-Ching sayed Kim!

Source:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10793788

[UpNorth]

Quote:

" The criminal charges against Kim Dotcom in the United States may never get to trial, the judge overseeing the case has told the FBI. United States district court judge Liam O'Grady said he didn't know if "we are ever going to have a trial in this matter" ".

Source:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10800409

Very interesting news and one can wonder if we all have to wait until august before this blows up in the face of the feds and all the rest of the copyright mongers.