Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom can be extradited to U.S. – New Zealand runs

WELLINGTON (Reuters) – The New Zealand Court of Appeal ruled on Thursday that internet entrepreneur and Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom could be extradited to the United States to face racketeering and criminal copyright charges.

The court's written decision rejected Dotcom's appeal and upheld a lower court ruling in 2017 that the extradition could take place.

The six-year legal saga is widely seen as a test for how far the United States can reach globally to apply American firms' intellectual property rights.

U.S. author's comments Megaupload executives cost film studios and record companies more than $ 500 million and generated more than $ 175 million by copyright paying users.

The Court of Appeal said the United States had disclosed a clear prima facie case that the appellants conspired to, and did, breach copyright wilfully and on a large scale, for their commercial gain.

"An extradition hearing is not a trial. It is held to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to commit a person.

Dotcom's lawyer Ira Rothken told Reuters via email that his client would appeal to the decision in the country's highest judicial body, the Supreme Court.

"We look forward to seeking review with the New Zealand Supreme Court. We think that ultimately Kim Dotcom will prevail, "Rothken said.

Dotcom's lawyers in the courts of the United States and the United States of America.

German-born Dotcom, who has had his New Zealand residency, became more widely known.

He used to post photographs of such cameras as "GOD" and "GUILTY", shooting an assault rifle and flying around the world in his private jet.

Dozens of black-clad police raided Dotcom 's mansion in 2012, breaking a million dollars in a million dollars, including a fleet of luxury cars, computers and art work.