New Zealand court rules Kim Dotcom eligible to be extradited to U.S.

PanARMENIAN.Net - A New Zealand court has ruled that internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom is eligible to be extradited to the United States to face multiple charges, BBC News reports.

Dotcom, accused of copyright infringement, racketeering and money laundering, said he will appeal.

He founded the now-defunct file-sharing site Megaupload where millions of people downloaded movies and songs.

U.S. authorities say Dotcom and others cost film studios and record companies more than $500m.

But Dotcom, a German national who has been living in Auckland and describes himself as an "internet freedom fighter" on his Twitter page, has fought the case arguing that he was not responsible for the copyright infringement.

The 39-year-old, born Kim Schmitz, told reporters outside the courtroom he would fight the ruling, adding: "I'm disappointed."

Three other men, who co-founded the site with Dotcom and face similar charges, have also been ruled as eligible for extradition.