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Kim Dotcom Says Legal Fight Has Left Him Broke

mrspoonsi writes Kim Dotcom, the founder of the seized file-sharing site Megaupload, has declared himself "broke". The entrepreneur said he had spent $10m (£6.4m) on legal costs since being arrested in New Zealand in 2012 and accused of internet piracy. Mr Dotcom had employed a local law firm to fight the US's attempt to extradite him, but his defence team stepped down a fortnight ago without explaining why. Mr Dotcom said he would now represent himself at a bail hearing on Thursday. He denies charges of racketeering, conspiring to commit copyright infringement and money laundering. He told a conference in London, via a video link, that his lawyers had resigned because he had run out of money. "The [US authorities] have certainly managed to drain my resources and dehydrate me, and without lawyers I am defenceless," he said. "They used that opportunity to try and get my bail revoked and that's what I'm facing."

5 of 117 comments (clear)

  1. Justice is served! by zentigger · · Score: 5, Insightful

    If you can't actually beat 'em, just bankrupt 'em or drive 'em to suicide!

    I love the modern concept of "justice"

    --

    the above is my personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect that of the little voices in my head

  2. Legal costs by precisenz · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Sure, the legal costs to defend himself are totally what did it... Not the $4million failed political campaign he ran this year, or the failed music album, or the extravagant lifestyle he lives...

    1. Re:Legal costs by Dahamma · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Apparently he once spent over $1M to charter a yacht and throw nonstop parties during the Monaco Grand Prix. Hard to feel sorry for someone who pisses away $1M in 3 days on parties. As if the multiple convictions for fraud, espionage, and embezzlement weren't enough...

  3. Here's a plan by Black+Parrot · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Change you name to Kim Putin, and no one will mess with you.

    --
    Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
  4. Fucking Hypocrites! by danthemanvsqz · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Wouldn't be nice if the US Government went after the assets of the bankers on Wall Street who commit fraud and launder money in the same way they've gone after Kim.com.