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Megaupload millionaire accuses NZ police of brutality in mansion raid

Kim Dotcom was arrested in the raid for massive-scale Internet piracy

Technology Spectator

Kim Dotcom, the founder of online file-sharing site Megaupload says that the New Zealand police punched and kicked him during a raid on his mansion earlier this year.

Dotcom, a German national who is fighting extradition to the United States from New Zealand, said he was terrified during a raid iby armed police using helicopters.

He said when he heard shouting and banging he went to a safe room, where police found him.

“And then they were all over me. I had a punch to the face, boots kicking me down to the floor,” Dotcom said in court.

“I was screaming and I was in pain ... I told them there was no need for punching me or hurting me and please stop.”

Acting on a request from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New Zealand authorities raided Dotcom’s rented estate outside Auckland, confiscating computers and hard drives, art work and luxury cars.

However, the raid and seizure of evidence has since been ruled illegal and the court hearing this week is to determine what should happen to the seized material.

The FBI says Dotcom led a group that has netted $US175 million since 2005 by copying and distributing music, movies and other copyrighted content without authorisation.

Lawyers for the flamboyant entrepreneur say the company simply offered online storage.

Dotcom and three others were arrested in the raid. Dotcom was kept in custody for a month before being granted bail.

The hearing is scheduled to last until Thursday.

A New Zealand court is due to hear an application from US authorities to extradite Dotcom on internet piracy, money laundering and breach of copyright charges in March.

Copyright 2012 First Digital Media