New Zealand intelligence agencies unlawfully spied on Kim Dotcom

INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES in New Zealand illegally spied on Kim Dotcom, the colourful CEO of Megaupload, and will be investigated as a result.

Dotcom, of course, is not happy about the revelation, nor is the local prime minister, who has already called for an investigation into the affair.

Prime Minister John Key said in a statement today that he has requested an inquiry by the Inspector General of Intelligence and Security. "I expect our intelligence agencies to operate always within the law. Their operations depend on public trust," he said.

"I look forward to the Inspector-General's inquiry getting to the heart of what took place and what can be done about it. Because this is also a matter for the High Court in its consideration of the Megaupload litigation, I am unable to comment further."

According to Key. New Zealand's Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) unlawfully intercepted communications between Dotcom and other people involved in Megaupload and unlawfully helped the police obtain search warrants.

Dotcom has complained about his treatment since the arrest, and today in messages on Twitter he expressed his thanks to Key.

"I welcome the inquiry by @JohnKeyPM into unlawful acts by the GCSB," he said. "Please extend the inquiry to cover the entire Crown Law Mega case."

Dotcom is fighting extradition to the US, where he faces criminal allegations. The raid on his property has already been ruled illegal.

Illegal restraining order. Illegal search warrant. Illegal removal of evidence to the US. Unlawful surveillance by the GCSB. To be continued

— Kim Dotcom (@KimDotcom) September 24, 2012

In a message on Twitter he compared himself and the case to the plot of a James Bond movie. µ