Estonian software programmer Andrus Nomm could find himself the seventh person charged in the case that is mounting against an alleged $175 million piracy ring. He was arrested in the Netherlands.
The news comes just as a New Zealand judge denied bail to Megaupload’s founder, Kim Dotcom (also known as Kim Schmitz), 38.
The prosecution argued at the bail hearing that he was an “extreme” flight risk because it was believed he had access to funds, multiple identities and a history of fleeing criminal charges.
Dotcom/ Schmitz now faces possible extradition to the US to go on trial.
The US authorities say he is wanted in what is one of the biggest ever criminal copyright theft cases.
Megaupload is accused of costing copyright holders $500 million by illegally copying and distributing music, movies and other copyrighted content.
However, Megaupload’s lawyer has countered that the site simply offered online storage.
New Zealand police arrested three other Megaupload employees on Friday after raiding the £16 million Dotcom mansion (pictured) at the request of the FBI.
The FBI estimates that Dotcom personally made around $115,000 (£77,700) a day during 2010 from the website.
It is reported that police had to cut Dotcom out of a safe room he had barricaded himself in.
Picture: Getty
