Judge rules Kim Dotcom can be extradited to U.S.

Kim Hjelmgaard | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption Internet mogul Kim Dotcom vows to fight extradition to U.S. Internet mogul Kim Dotcom vows to fight a New Zealand court ruling that he can be extradited to the United States where he is wanted on piracy-related charges. Video provided by AFP

A New Zealand judge ruled Wednesday that Internet entrepreneur Kim Dotcom is eligible to be extradited to the United States to face multiple charges that include copyright infringement and money laundering.

Lawyers for the German-born entrepreneur, 39, who now lives in Auckland, New Zealand, said an appeal has been filed. Three of Dotcom's colleagues were also ruled to be eligible for extradition.

The U.S. has charged the men with conspiracy to commit copyright infringement, racketeering and money laundering in relation to the now-defunct file-sharing website Megaupload that Dotcom founded.

Prosecutors claim the site permitted people to illegally download songs, television shows and movies at the cost of more than $500 million to movie studios and record companies.

The men could face decades in jail if found guilty. However, Wednesday's ruling was only related to the issue of extradition, not guilt or innocence related to the charges.

Judge Nevin Dawson ruled that evidence established "a prima facie case to answer for all respondents on each of the counts."

Dotcom maintains that he should not be held responsible for people who chose to use his site illegally.

"This is my weirdest (Christmas) ever," Dotcom said on Twitter after the ruling. He also asked his Twitter followers to vote in a poll on whether he should be extradited.

Born as Kim Schmitz, he is known for his colorful lifestyle that has included a fondness for luxury yachts and lavish parties.

The father of five describes himself as an "Internet Freedom Fighter" on his Twitter page.