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MegaUpload founder Kim Dotcom released on bail

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By John Glenday, Reporter

February 22, 2012 | 1 min read

Kim Dotcom, the flambotyant founder of the file sharing website Megaupload, has been granted bail at the second time of asking.

Prosecutors had hoped to keep Dotcom behind bars but were unable to provide sufficient proof that Dotcom constituted a significant flight risk, paving the way for the New Zealander to return to his $30m home.

Under the conditions of his bail Dotcom will be denied internet access and be restricted from travelling further than 80km from his home, except in emergencies.

Hopes of a helicopter based escape were also dashed when the court insisted that none would be permitted to fly within range of his property.

Speaking to reporters upon his release Dotcom said his arrest had “felt like an audition to American Idol”, before making his way back to his wife and kids.

Dotcom was arrested at the behest of the FBI on allegations that he had been engaged in illegal file sharing and wire fraud, and faces extradition to the United States as a result.

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