Crown appeals Dotcom's asset release
Crown wants millions in government bonds to remain frozen.
In the latest twist in the Kim Dotcom legal saga, Crown Law is appealing a High Court judge's decision to release the internet entrepreneur's funds for living and legal expenses.
Last month, Justice Patricia Courtney unfroze about $4.6 million in government bonds to fund Mr Dotcom's legal defence and for other living expenses, including his mansion's rent. It is understood some of that money has already been released to Mr Dotcom.
A Crown Law spokeswoman says an appeal has just been filed but no Court of Appeal date has been set.
The case will go straight to the appeal court, as leave is not required.
The spokeswoman refused to say what the grounds of appeal are.
Neither Mr Dotcom, nor his legal team, responded to NBR ONLINE's queries at press time, although the German giant labelled the Crown's action as a #starveoutstrategy on Twitter.
Separately, the Crown is attempting to register US forfeiture orders in New Zealand, which would have the effect of the Crown owning various assets, as opposed to holding them frozen for Mr Dotcom. The judge in that case, Justice Rebecca Ellis, has reserved her decision.
Meanwhile, Justice Sarah Katz ruled last month Mr Dotcom and his co-accused will face an extradition hearing no later than September 1.
Victoria Young
Tue, 19 May 2015
Tue, 19 May 2015
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Crown appeals Dotcom's asset release
47815