The popular, albeit copyright-infringing website Megaupload is set to relaunch, five years after being shuttered by the FBI.
After its owner, Kim Dotcom, was arrested and indicted for allegedly violating copyright laws, the site went dark in 2012. The New Zealand resident was accused of costing the entertainment industry $500 million owing to user-uploaded content – including movies and music – available on the site.
But after a scramble of legal proceedings, Dotcom – who has denied all charges – is declaring via Twitter that he will be relaunching the site in 2017.
Megaupload had more than 150 million users at its peak, earning millions for Dotcom. When he was arrested at his Auckland mansion, authorities seized 20 luxury cars, art and millions of dollars invested in local finance companies.
Dotcom is set to face a judge again next month in Auckland to face extradition to the U.S.
