24 Dec 2013

SIS releases more Dotcom details

7:14 am on 24 December 2013

More than a year after receiving an initial request, the Security Intelligence Service has released more information about its interest in the internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom.

The SIS had initially released some documents to Radio New Zealand but has released more following an appeal to the Ombudsmans' Office.

Kim Dotcom.

Kim Dotcom. Photo: AFP

The information confirms that the SIS did not view Mr Dotcom as a security threat but it was well aware of his past criminal convictions.

The latest release still blanks out most of the references to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's interest in Mr Dotcom.

The FBI is trying to extradite the internet entrepreneur to face charges of internet copyright fraud, racketeering and money laundering.

The papers say to release information without the US agency's consent could prejudice New Zealand's international relations and deter overseas agencies from sharing information in the future.

In emails to the Immigration Service, the SIS refers to Mr Dotcom as an interesting character and says the joint police/FBI operation, which led to his arrest in January 2012, should be very interesting.