1 May 2014
Last updated at 20:05 ET
Kim Dotcom: On the road with Hollywood's biggest enemy
Supporters were treated to a "swim with Kim" event at the Dotcom Mansion
They thought they'd finally got him.
One-by-one, his luxury cars were rolled out of garages and taken away. Dotcom's accounts, in various different countries, were frozen.
His website, file storage service Megaupload, was shut down.
Filings made in a court in Virginia outlined the accusation. Dotcom, US authorities said, was the man behind a "criminal enterprise" which used Megaupload to profit from piracy on a "massive scale". He faces more than 20 years in prison.
"That's when I woke up to what the United States has become," an unwaveringly defiant Dotcom tells me, with typical brashness.
"How they lie at every corner if they want to get something done. How the law doesn't even matter.
"I became a victim of that, and I said to myself: 'This is the world we're living in, and someone needs to stand up and needs to fight that.'"
And fight it he has.
Dotcom was arrested in January 2012
'Happy bubble'
Which is where I first meet him, more than two years after the raid, on a sunny Friday afternoon. He's just finished lunch.
Dotcom is sat alone, at the head of a long, wooden table, next to a snooker table that doesn't look like it has enjoyed much use. To his right is a swimming pool that certainly has.
One thing's immediately apparent about this scene: Dotcom's quite clearly not in jail.
Since the raid, Dotcom has been mounting a stunning legal and professional comeback. Thanks to a series of delays - and in some instances, crumbling evidence - he is yet to be extradited to the US to face the charges. His next hearing is in July.
He's won back his cars, and some of his money. He's started a
new company - Mega - which serves largely the same purpose as Megaupload
but with tweaked terms and conditions, and better encryption. It's
already worth over a hundred million dollars.
More recently, Dotcom made his most unexpected move. He's launching his own political party, with internet-focused policies at its core.
"The Internet Party was born out of that injustice," he tells me.
"I was pulled out of my happy bubble, and my life of creation and innovation. It woke me up to a whole new reality.
"We are about social fairness, we're about freedoms and human rights. We want governments to respect human rights, especially privacy rights. I think it's going to have a broad appeal, internationally."
Days later, in a speech to some supporters, he'd put his party's mission another way: "The internet is under attack, and we have to save it."
Questionable motives
Dotcom is sat alone, at the head of a long, wooden table, next to a snooker table that doesn't look like it has enjoyed much use. To his right is a swimming pool that certainly has.
One thing's immediately apparent about this scene: Dotcom's quite clearly not in jail.
Since the raid, Dotcom has been mounting a stunning legal and professional comeback. Thanks to a series of delays - and in some instances, crumbling evidence - he is yet to be extradited to the US to face the charges. His next hearing is in July.
Dotcom is fighting extradition to the US - his next hearing is in July
More recently, Dotcom made his most unexpected move. He's launching his own political party, with internet-focused policies at its core.
"The Internet Party was born out of that injustice," he tells me.
"I was pulled out of my happy bubble, and my life of creation and innovation. It woke me up to a whole new reality.
"We are about social fairness, we're about freedoms and human rights. We want governments to respect human rights, especially privacy rights. I think it's going to have a broad appeal, internationally."
Days later, in a speech to some supporters, he'd put his party's mission another way: "The internet is under attack, and we have to save it."
Kim Schmitz was born in western Germany in 1974. He wouldn't become Kim Dotcom until 2005.
During his teenage years, he was caught illegally hacking -
but made a deal to work "for the good guys" in computer security. A
later conviction for insider trading caused him to leave the country
altogether.After a brief time in Thailand, Dotcom set up shop in Hong Kong, where he founded Megaupload. Prosecutors say it was with this site that he committed crimes - knowingly allowing, even encouraging, users to upload and share copyrighted content.
Dotcom's defence is that he shouldn't be held responsible for what users uploaded, and that they removed illegal content when made aware of it.
The removal process was too difficult, say the content creators. Dotcom says it was easy. And so it goes, back and forth, lawyer to lawyer.
Since the raid, public support for Dotcom has grown - he is a celebrity
But the raid changed all that.
Dotcom was suddenly seen as a man standing up against the government - but more crucially, against the US. Lots of New Zealanders were uncomfortable with the level of influence the US authorities
seemingly had over their own government.
The mansion is full of references to Dotcom's file-sharing business
"There's no personal interest behind it," he says.
"Changing copyright law primarily will solve the problems that the content industry is creating around piracy."
Among his ideas, one proposed law stands out. If a movie studio releases an English-language film elsewhere in the world, it must be released in New Zealand at the same time.
"If you don't, and someone can find a pirated version online, well then don't blame that person for downloading it. It's your fault."
Gawpers
Dotcom's ambitions of power aren't far-fetched.
As a foreigner, he can't run for office himself. But he can choose someone to stand for him. He wants to hold public auditions - a political New Zealand's Got Talent, as it were.
New Zealand's political system means that minority parties, even new ones, can find themselves with some power by courting the "favourite party" vote - an additional tick voters can place in addition to voting for an individual candidate.
This system plays nicely into the hands of single-issue groups like Dotcom's - particularly if they team up with others.
Which is why on my second day with the team, I find myself
travelling by convoy to the stunning north town of Rotorua, in the north
of the country.
We were off to meet the Mana Party, a breakaway group from the larger Maori Party.
Dotcom is behind the wheel of his beloved Mercedes 4x4 - number plate: "KIM.COM". People honk and wave as we drive past. Whenever we stop, people get out of the cars to say hello.
I can't tell if they are supporters, or just gawpers fascinated at a celebrity they've seen on TV.
"There have been a lot of stories around my persona here in New
Zealand over the last two years," he says. "And people are just
intrigued."
"But if all of this intrigue gets me to get them here, and listen to what we're all about, and to get through to them with these ideas... I win."
On the inviting country roads, he sticks agonisingly to the speed limit. Being caught speeding would be a breach of his bail conditions. Even by Dotcom's standards, ending the day behind bars isn't an ideal day's campaigning.
Meeting the Maoris
As a foreigner, he can't run for office himself. But he can choose someone to stand for him. He wants to hold public auditions - a political New Zealand's Got Talent, as it were.
New Zealand's political system means that minority parties, even new ones, can find themselves with some power by courting the "favourite party" vote - an additional tick voters can place in addition to voting for an individual candidate.
This system plays nicely into the hands of single-issue groups like Dotcom's - particularly if they team up with others.
Around 500 people took up Dotcom's offer to visit the home
We were off to meet the Mana Party, a breakaway group from the larger Maori Party.
Dotcom is behind the wheel of his beloved Mercedes 4x4 - number plate: "KIM.COM". People honk and wave as we drive past. Whenever we stop, people get out of the cars to say hello.
I can't tell if they are supporters, or just gawpers fascinated at a celebrity they've seen on TV.
Dotcom says Edward Snowden is his "personal hero"
"But if all of this intrigue gets me to get them here, and listen to what we're all about, and to get through to them with these ideas... I win."
On the inviting country roads, he sticks agonisingly to the speed limit. Being caught speeding would be a breach of his bail conditions. Even by Dotcom's standards, ending the day behind bars isn't an ideal day's campaigning.
Meeting the Maoris
Dotcom wants to convince the Mana members to agree to a
merger, giving the parties a really strong chance of winning a couple of
seats in September's election.
We arrive in Rotorua to a media circus - a scene which isn't lost on the Mana Party's leader, Hone Harawira.
"I am quite sure, that at this moment, all of the media in this country are in this room," he jokes. "To hear what it is that I have to say."
With his speech, Dotcom wins them over - the Mana Party voted to open talks to a merger.
It can't understand it. What possible common ground could be found between Maoris, who are among the poorest people in New Zealand, and a German multimillionaire harping on about broadband speeds?
I ask Taiaha Hawke, a Maori protocol expert drafted in to make sure Dotcom doesn't accidentally offend anyone.
"The way we see it," he says, "Anyone who sticks it to 'The Man' like he does is fine by us."
Dotcom's millions will certainly make a useful addition to the Mana Party's campaign funds, too.
We head back, via KFC, to Dotcom's mansion to see how the day plays out in the evening news bulletins - particularly as a certain well-known British couple are in town.
"Yes!" shouts Dotcom. "We beat the Royals! Awesome!"
'He is a hero'
We arrive in Rotorua to a media circus - a scene which isn't lost on the Mana Party's leader, Hone Harawira.
"I am quite sure, that at this moment, all of the media in this country are in this room," he jokes. "To hear what it is that I have to say."
With his speech, Dotcom wins them over - the Mana Party voted to open talks to a merger.
It can't understand it. What possible common ground could be found between Maoris, who are among the poorest people in New Zealand, and a German multimillionaire harping on about broadband speeds?
Dotcom was successful in wooing members of the Mana Party
"The way we see it," he says, "Anyone who sticks it to 'The Man' like he does is fine by us."
Dotcom's millions will certainly make a useful addition to the Mana Party's campaign funds, too.
We head back, via KFC, to Dotcom's mansion to see how the day plays out in the evening news bulletins - particularly as a certain well-known British couple are in town.
"Yes!" shouts Dotcom. "We beat the Royals! Awesome!"
'He is a hero'
Polls show that Dotcom's support is growing. He says a lot of
his support is thanks to one man - Edward Snowden - and the revelations
that shocked the world.
"To me personally he is a hero... his sacrifice will be remembered as one of the most heroic things of our time.
"Single-handedly, he has opened the eyes of the world to an injustice. Because we know about it, we can do something about it."
I point out that if his political aspirations are as successful
as he envisions, Dotcom could be in a position to push for Snowden to
be given asylum in New Zealand.
"I think that is too far away."
But has he ever spoken to him?
"Mm… yes."
What about?
"I don't want to go into that."
Policies in the pool
"To me personally he is a hero... his sacrifice will be remembered as one of the most heroic things of our time.
"Single-handedly, he has opened the eyes of the world to an injustice. Because we know about it, we can do something about it."
The Internet Party hopes to make a serious play for power in future elections
"I think that is too far away."
But has he ever spoken to him?
"Mm… yes."
What about?
"I don't want to go into that."
Policies in the pool
The next morning, Dotcom invites all of the Internet Party's
members to the mansion for a picnic, and the promise of a "swim with
Kim".
Situated about an hour outside Auckland, the mansion is hard to miss. The main house is a the bottom of a large hill, and from afar, it looks a little like a tacky medieval-themed hotel.
On closer inspection, it's more like a teenager's bed room run riot. Huge televisions at every turn, and a games room decorated with a mural depicting Dotcom and his wife Mona as video game characters.
The logo for Mega can be found all over the property. Cut into the lawn, for example, or placed in the centre of the many stained-glassed windows.
Depending on your point of view, it's either a vulgar display
of flashiness, or Dotcom's way of constantly reminding himself how he
earned enough money to find himself living here.
Around 500 people turn up to the party. A member of Dotcom's team urges him to be in as many selfies as possible to drive engagement on social media. He duly obliges.
In the pool, Dotcom holds court as members chuck policy ideas at him, including the suggestion he should try the name "Kim Dot-org" for a while.
No-one mentions the prospect of Dotcom being sent to jail. At least, not while he's listening.
'Epic battle'
Situated about an hour outside Auckland, the mansion is hard to miss. The main house is a the bottom of a large hill, and from afar, it looks a little like a tacky medieval-themed hotel.
On closer inspection, it's more like a teenager's bed room run riot. Huge televisions at every turn, and a games room decorated with a mural depicting Dotcom and his wife Mona as video game characters.
The logo for Mega can be found all over the property. Cut into the lawn, for example, or placed in the centre of the many stained-glassed windows.
Dotcom's legal worries were not on the agenda at the Internet Party picnic
Around 500 people turn up to the party. A member of Dotcom's team urges him to be in as many selfies as possible to drive engagement on social media. He duly obliges.
In the pool, Dotcom holds court as members chuck policy ideas at him, including the suggestion he should try the name "Kim Dot-org" for a while.
No-one mentions the prospect of Dotcom being sent to jail. At least, not while he's listening.
'Epic battle'
He describes his situation as David vs. Goliath, Godzilla and the dinosaurs.
At six foot seven, Dotcom is an unlikely David.
But the pressure keeps coming. Just days before I arrived in New Zealand, both the movie and music industry launched fresh legal action, this time civil action to claim compensation for lost revenue.
He claims it's evidence that the criminal case is failing.
"Here's the thing. I have the facts on my side. I have the truth on my side.
"I will prevail because I am not the criminal that they are trying to make out of me.
"I'm sleeping really well at night," he adds, talking less to me, and more to himself.
"They can throw another dozen lawsuits at me - it will make no difference. In the end, I'm going to prevail.
"I'm happy. I'm fine."
It's the most revealing moment of my time with him.
In this beautiful house, and surrounded by a family of young children and his wife, Mona, I think the prospect of jail worries Dotcom more than he lets on.
"I've embraced this fight now and I will see it through all the way. It's going to be an epic battle."
And it's there we part ways. Dotcom has a meeting to get to.
"Lawyers," he sighs.
"I'm always meeting with lawyers."
Follow Dave Lee on Twitter @DaveLeeBBC
At six foot seven, Dotcom is an unlikely David.
But the pressure keeps coming. Just days before I arrived in New Zealand, both the movie and music industry launched fresh legal action, this time civil action to claim compensation for lost revenue.
He claims it's evidence that the criminal case is failing.
"Here's the thing. I have the facts on my side. I have the truth on my side.
Dotcom says his legal case is like David vs Goliath, Godzilla and the dinosaurs
"I'm sleeping really well at night," he adds, talking less to me, and more to himself.
"They can throw another dozen lawsuits at me - it will make no difference. In the end, I'm going to prevail.
"I'm happy. I'm fine."
It's the most revealing moment of my time with him.
In this beautiful house, and surrounded by a family of young children and his wife, Mona, I think the prospect of jail worries Dotcom more than he lets on.
"I've embraced this fight now and I will see it through all the way. It's going to be an epic battle."
And it's there we part ways. Dotcom has a meeting to get to.
"Lawyers," he sighs.
"I'm always meeting with lawyers."
Follow Dave Lee on Twitter @DaveLeeBBC
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave a comment-- or suggestions, particularly of topics and places you'd like to see covered