Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom is granted bail

MEGAUPLOAD FOUNDER Kim Dotcom has been granted bail in New Zealand.

Dotcom is "very relieved" to have been granted bail, which means he will be reunited with his family, according to the New Zealand Herald. Judge Nevin Dawson ruled that he was not enough of a flight risk to be held in custody.

Prosecutor Anne Toohey, acting on behalf of the United States government, argued that Dotcom would have significant resources available to him because of his wealth, so would easily be able to flee New Zealand.

However, Dawson said, "It would seem that he has every reason to stay [in New Zealand] to be with his family and to fight to keep his significant assets."

One point Toohey did win was denying Dotcom use of internet, which she said would create a high risk of reoffending. She also pointed out that Dotcom had three different passports under different names, but Dawson said there was no evidence of those having been used illegally.

Dotcom is forbidden to use the internet - aside from using it to put together a defence - or a helicopter as part of the bail conditions. So there will be no salvaging his Call of Duty crown any time soon.

Dotcom's mansion where his family has been living was recently seized by authorities in New Zealand, but the family is being allowed to stay.

Mr Dotcom's lawyer, Paul Davison said, "He's managed to cope with it and that's really all that needs to be said."

The Megaupload founder, along with three of his associates, will face a hearing for extradition starting on 20 August, which is expected to take three weeks. µ