11 Jul 2012

Dotcom offers extradition deal to US

10:24 am on 11 July 2012

Kim Dotcom says there is no need for an extradition case to be heard, as he would willingly go to the United States if the Department of Justice returns his money.

The date for his case to be heard at the North Shore District Court has been postponed until next year.

The United States is trying to extradite the Megaupload founder to face charges relating to internet copyright.

In a tweet at 8.30am on Wednesday,Mr Dotcom offered the department a deal.

The tweet says there is no need for extradition, and he will go to the United States if he gets bail, his funds are unfrozen and his lawyers and living expenses paid for.

An extradition hearing is tentatively scheduled for 25 March in Auckland.

Megaupload was indicted in a US federal court in Virginia on 19 January this year and the site was shut down. Mr Dotcom and three co-accused were arrested in Auckland, New Zealand, the following day.

Formal papers requesting their extradition were lodged by the US in March.