Dotcom to take extradition case to Supreme Court

UPDATE: Kim Dotcom says a Court of Appeal ruling that he is eligible for extradition to the United States is "extremely disappointing" and he will appeal to the Supreme Court.

In a statement today he says he's confident the Supreme Court will hear the appeal because of the significant legal issues at stake. 

"As people will know, I am prepared to fight to get justice, whether it is for me or others.

"Many important cases in New Zealand are not won in the Court of Appeal, or in the Courts below, but are won when they reach the Supreme Court. My case will be one of those."

EARLIER:

Kim Dotcom's US lawyer says he will take the case to the Supreme Court after his client lost their bid to escape extradition to the US. 

The Court of Appeal has ruled Mr Dotcom, plus co-defendants, Mathias Ortmann, Bram van der Kolk and Finn Batato are eligible to be extradited for their participation in alleged criminal copyright infringement, racketeering and money laundering.

The charges relate to the defunct file-sharing website Megaupload.

The final decision as to whether the four men will be extradited will be made by Justice Minister Andrew Little. 

In a tweet, the US lawyer, Ira Rothken, says he's disappointed in the outcome and will "seek review" with the Supreme Court. 

"We are satisfied New Zealand law permits extradition for copyright infringement in the circumstances of this case," said the court's decision, by Justices Kós, French and Miller. 

"The appellants are accused of conduct that, if proved, would establish extradition offences in New Zealand law," it said. 

Mr Dotcom and his Megaupload co-accused lost their extradition case in December 2015 at the North Shore District Court but have since made appeals to the High Court and the Court of Appeal.  

Mr Dotcom estimates he has spent 165 days in court and spent $40 million in legal fees on the case. 

Another legal wrangle
Separately, last Thursday Mr Dotcom posted a win in his suit against the Government Communications Security Bureau for damages relating to the raid on his former Coatesville home the year before.

A Court of Appeal panel decided that Mr Dotcom could argue for further discovery from the government in relation to his case.

Discovery in the case has centred on raw communications of the GCSB regarding Mr Dotcom.