Bail conditions creating an personal electronic prison will suffice for individuals held in New Zealand pending extradition.
Internet entrepreneur, Kim Dotcom, is wanted by US authorities who allege criminal use of the internet for commercial gain. In particular, it is alleged Mr Dotcom facilitated illegal downloads of copyright material. His net worth has been speculatively put in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
In January 2012, he was arrested in New Zealand at the request of US authorities. An extradition hearing is scheduled for August 2012. US authorities strenuously objected to Mr Dotcom being released on bail. They said he had the resources and ability to flee New Zealand. It was proving difficult to track down his bank accounts: $US 17.8 million had been found in bank accounts under his name or under aliases; up to $US 68 million had passed through these accounts over a four year period. Assets to the value of $NZ 20 million had been seized in New Zealand.
The court was told Mr Dotcom held valid passports for both Germany and Finland. The US has extradition treaties with both those countries.
Justice Brewer said there was no certainty that Mr Dotcom would not attempt to flee New Zealand. Bail conditions required use of an electronic tag.
“It essentially puts a perimeter around Mr Dotcom’s home and if he breaches the perimeter then the authorities will know about it very shortly. That is a significant impediment to a person as recognisable as Mr Dotcom who seeks to flee the country clandestinely.”
USA v. Dotcom – High Court (29.02.12)
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