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WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The legal case involving flamboyant internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom has lasted more than five years and will likely continue for years to come. Here's a timeline of significant events:
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2005: Dotcom founds the file-sharing site Megaupload, which becomes one of the most popular sites on the internet.
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November 2010: Dotcom, who was born in Germany and who also lived for several years in Hong Kong, is granted permanent residency in New Zealand.
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January 2012: The U.S. shuts down the Megaupload site, files criminal charges against Dotcom and his colleagues, and seizes money and assets worth tens of millions of dollars. Dotcom is arrested in a dramatic police raid on his mansion in New Zealand and is incarcerated.
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February 2012: Dotcom is released from jail on bail.
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January 2013: Dotcom launches a new file-sharing website, Mega.
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May 2014: The Internet Party, funded by Dotcom, is registered with election authorities.
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September 2014: Dotcom's political party fails to win any seats in the New Zealand Parliament.
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December 2015: The New Zealand District Court finds Dotcom and three colleagues can be extradited to the U.S. They appeal the decision.
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February 2017: The New Zealand High Court agrees with earlier decision that Kim Dotcom and three of his colleagues can be extradited to the U.S. to face criminal charges. Dotcom's lawyer says they'll appeal and take the case to New Zealand's Supreme Court if necessary.
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