19 Feb 2012

More assets sought in Megaupload case

8:59 am on 19 February 2012

The US Department of Justice is seeking more assets from those charged over the Megaupload internet piracy case.

The founder of the website, Kim Dotcom, and his co-accused Bram van der Kolk, Mathias Ortmann and Finn Batato were arrested in Auckland in January.

They and three others, who are not in New Zealand, already faced charges relating to internet piracy offences.

The US Department of Justice has added new charges of criminal copyright infringement and wire fraud the seven individuals charged.

US authorities have already seized more than $50 million in assets from those charged in Auckland.

The authorities allege Megaupload has profited by at least $175 million from its actions, and want to seize more than 60 of its bank accounts.

Luxury watches, diamond-encrusted jewellery, artworks, jet-skis and two large properties are also on their target list.

The Department of Justice also want to seize 25 vehicles, including Rolls-Royces, Cadillacs and Lamborghinis.