Megaupload founder accuses NZ police of beating him

Kim Dotcom, the founder of the Megaupload online file-sharing site embroiled in U.S. piracy and fraud investigations, said on Tuesday New Zealand police punched and kicked him during a raid on his mansion.

Dotcom, a German national who is fighting extradition to the United States from New Zealand, said he was terrified during a raid in January by armed police using helicopters.

He said when he heard shouting and banging he went to a safe room, where police found him.

"And then they were all over me. I had a punch to the face, boots kicking me down to the floor," Dotcom said in court.

"I was screaming and I was in pain ... I told them there was no need for punching me or hurting me and please stop."

Acting on a request from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New Zealand authorities raided Dotcom's rented estate outside Auckland, confiscating computers and hard drives, art work and luxury cars.

Beaten. In more ways than one it seems

However, the raid and seizure of evidence has since been ruled illegal and the court hearing this week is to determine what should happen to the seized material.

The FBI says Dotcom led a group that has netted $175 million since 2005 by copying and distributing music, movies and other copyrighted content without authorization.

Lawyers for the flamboyant entrepreneur say the company simply offered online storage.

Dotcom and three others were arrested in the raid. Dotcom was kept in custody for a month before being granted bail.

The hearing is scheduled to last until Thursday.

A New Zealand court is due to hear an application from U.S. authorities to extradite Dotcom on internet piracy, money laundering and breach of copyright charges in March.

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Reuters