Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom granted bail

"Since that time, all known assets have been seized and are unavailable for Mr Dotcom's use or disposal," the judge found. "No new assets or accounts of any significance have been revealed since his arrest. Mr Dotcom's submission that he has not concealed any assets or bank accounts has largely been borne out."

Dawson also said he received an affidavit from Bonnie Lam, the Hong Kong chief financial officer of Megaupload, supporting Dotcom's contention that he has no resources available to him.

Dotcom was born Kim Schmitz but legally changed his name. He is a citizen of both Germany and Finland and was granted New Zealand residency in 2010. He has also lived in Hong Kong, where the Megaupload company is registered.

Dawson disputed an earlier court finding that the US doesn't have an extradition treaty with Germany.

The judge said there is a German law which prevents Germans being extradited to any country – but that a treaty between Germany and the U.S. would allow Dotcom to be prosecuted in Germany should he flee New Zealand and should German authorities deem prosecution appropriate. He said a similar situation applies to Finland.

Dotcom's colleagues had earlier been granted bail by New Zealand courts.

Source: agencies