3 Feb 2012

Megaupload accused remain behind bars

6:32 am on 3 February 2012

The four men arrested in January in connection with a major internet piracy prosecution remain behind bars, despite two of them being granted bail.

Bram van der Kolk and Finn Batato were allowed bail last week, but have been detained while administrative matters are dealt with.

Judge David McNaughton granted bail after saying he was satisfied they weren't a flight risk.

The men appeared again on Wednesday afternoon in the North Shore District Court, but were further remanded in custody while the police check the premises where they are likely to be bailed to.

The men face charges along with Kim Dotcom, the founder of the file-sharing website Megaupload, and a fourth person, Mathias Ortmann.

Last week, Mr Dotcom was denied bail after Judge McNaughton ruled he posed a flight risk.

Mr Ortmann is also remanded in custody. The decision on his bail will be dealt with on Thursday in the Manukau District Court.