Kim Dotcom is refused bail in New Zealand

Kim Dotcom is refused bail in New Zealand

Jan. 25 (BusinessDesk) – Kim Dotcom has been refused bail by a New Zealand judge who decided there was a significant risk of flight.

In North Shore District Court, Judge David McNaughton today said it was impossible for him to determine at this early stage if the US government has a strong case in alleging a Mega Conspiracy or if Dotcom has a good defence.

“All I can say if that there appears to be an arguable defence in respect of the breach of copyright charges and no doubt very considerable resources will be brought to bear both for the prosecution and defence should the matter proceed to trial.”

The judge gave no weight to a so-called deportation of the accused from Thailand in 2002 or to the idea that he planned to return to Hong Kong for the birth of twins his wife is carrying.

But he noted Dotcom would be safe from extradition to the US if he travelled to Germany.

The risk of reoffending was seen as neutral with respect to the bail application.

Dotcom’s business has been shutdown in the US and his bank accounts have been frozen. He has disclosed an account with $300,000 in it as a sign of good faith.

“While the US government’s argument on flight risk in general is not as strong as initially suggested nonetheless I am left in a position that there is a risk and it is a significant risk,” McNaughton said.

(BusinessDesk)

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