More Dotcom property seized in New Zealand

Feb 9, 2012, 1:07 GMT

Wellington - A multi-million-dollar property belonging to Kim Dotcom, the millionaire German founder of the file-sharing Megaupload website, was seized Thursday by New Zealand officials.

Dotcom, formerly known as Kim Schmitz, is wanted in the United States for copyright piracy. He was arrested last month at a luxury mansion he was renting north of Auckland.

Economic Development Ministry officials said they had seized a neighbouring property worth 4 million New Zealand dollars (3.3 million US dollars) owned by Dotcom.

Other property including a car, jet skis, art work and jewellery were seized under the authority of a court order.

Dotcom's pregnant wife and other family would still be allowed to live at the two-hectare lifestyle block until legal proceedings were completed, officials said.

The US FBI wants Dotcom, 38, and three others arrested with him last month in Auckland to face trial on charges of racketeering, money laundering and copyright infringement.

They allege that Megaupload breached intellectual property laws, costing copyright owners more than 500 million US dollars.

Dotcom, who has New Zealand residency, was denied bail ahead of a deportation hearing to be held in two weeks. He denies any wrongdoing.