Dotcom bailed
Alleged internet pirate Kim Dotcom is bailed to his $30 million rented Coatesville mansion, with an internet ban as a condition of his release.
UPDATED: Kim Dotcom has reportedly succeeded in his bail application in the North Shore District court.
Earlier applications for bail had been declined as the German-born owner of Megaupload was considered a flight risk.
United States authorities have charged Mr Dotcom and six others connected with Megaupload with copyright violations and money laundering. Last week additional charges of wire fraud were added to the indictment.
Mr Dotcom was freed to live at his Coatesville mansion on the condition he does not use the internet. Nor is he allowed access to a helicopter, or otherwise travel more than 80km from his Coatesville residence.
ROOM WITH A VIEW: The $30 million Coatesville mansion rented by Kim Dotcom, photographed on February 8. (Photographer: Ben Gracewood. Pilot: Vaughn Davis. Click image to enlarge)
Alleged internet pirate Kim Dotcom will today appear in the North Shore District Court to again seek bail.
Mr Dotcom's internet site Megaupload is accused by United States authorities of being a large-scale piracy ring and the flamboyant technology entrepreneur has been denied bail in previous court hearings over concerns he may flee to Germany where he would not be subject to extradition.
Three others accused of being part of the alleged "Mega conspiracy" have been freed on bail by the New Zealand courts.
Mr Dotcom's arrest, in a dawn raid on the former Chrisco mansion, garnered substantial attention from international media and the case is being viewed as a bellwhether for internet piracy prosecutions.
Matt Nippert
Wed, 22 Feb 2012
Wed, 22 Feb 2012
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Dotcom bailed
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