More than fourteen years have passed since Megaupload became the prime target in a high-profile law enforcement operation, which led to the collapse of Kim Dotcom's file-storage empire. The US accused Dotcom of being the leader of a criminal "Mega Conspiracy," which it claims earned many millions of dollars by profiting from copyright infringement.

With the stakes this high, no legal resources are being spared. Many millions of dollars have been poured into this legal battle since 2012, with Dotcom doing everything in his power to avoid being extradited to the United States.

In 2020, the Supreme Court of New Zealand ruled that Kim Dotcom and his colleagues could indeed be extradited to the United States. After further challenges, New Zealand's Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith approved Kim Dotcom's extradition in 2024.

By then, Megaupload defendants van der Kolk and Ortmann had already opted for a deal. The pair pled guilty but were allowed to serve their respective 30 and 31-month prison sentences in New Zealand. Dotcom, meanwhile, kept fighting.

Dotcom's latest opposition targets two decisions. The first is the Police Commissioner's refusal to charge Megaupload's founder in New Zealand, and the second targets the Minister's order to surrender him to the United States.

The High Court rejected these challenges in September 2025, but as expected, Dotcom appealed again. Today, New Zealand's Court of Appeal ruled on the matter, rejecting all challenges.

All in all, the Court of Appeal dismissed the challenge in its entirety, with Dotcom ordered to pay costs. However, this isn't necessarily the end of the legal challenges yet, as Dotcom and his lawyer Ron Mansfield KC could still take the matter up with the Supreme Court.