Internet businessman Kim Dotcom has won access to his confiscated assets.
When the millionaire was arrested during a raid of his Coatesville mansion near Auckland in January 2012, the United States asked for his assets to be seized and the New Zealand courts agreed to that. The order expires on Friday.
Kim Dotcom. Photo: AAP
Mr Dotcom's assets include 19 cars and jetskis, almost $200,000 worth of jewellery, a giant TV, electronics and art. He also has about $1 million in a bank account and $3.6 million in property.
The Crown asked the High Court in Auckland to extend the seizure timeframe, but that was rejected on Wednesday afternoon.
Mr Dotcom will get access to his assets in two weeks if the Crown does not appeal. He is fighting extradition to the US to face copyright, money-laundering and fraud charges. That hearing has been set for July but it is unlikely to occur then, as court hearings relating to aspects of the case are still being heard.
While the return of assets is a big personal win for Kim Dotcom, it is unlikely to have a major effect on the case as he has been able to pay legal fees in the interim from funds released by the High Court.
Following the ruling on Wednesday, Mr Dotcom tweeted a picture of himself posing with three Mercedes vehicles saying "Come to Daddy". He also thanked friends and staff who were paitent and loyal to him over the past couple of years.
Photo: AFP
