MegaUpload is Dead, its Executives Arrested
Talk about timing: the day after the internet blackout, the feds made a move on MegaUpload, shutting down its services and arresting its leaders. They called it an "international organized criminal enterprise allegedly responsible for massive worldwide online piracy."
The Department of Justice’s complaint alleges that MegaUpload is responsible for $175 million in criminal proceeds and "more than half a billion dollars in harm to copyright owners." Which, you know, is a lot (and probably an understatement.).
The complaint further charges MegaUpload’s executives with running the company’s services in a way that encourages copyright infringement (example: the 72 minute time limit, which is equivalent to 1 and ⅔’s of a TV show, roughly when the next show hits its climax) and having its MegaUpload Rewards program specifically designed to launder money.
The feds have issued more than 20 search warrants worldwide, and have seized $50 million in assets and 18 domains.
MegaUpload was a useful tool for sharing large files with other people, regardless of its other criminal activities. Not too long ago, it even got endorsed by famous music stars, who used the service to distribute content to fans. But apparently the legitimate side of their business was dwarfed by the criminal side.
There are still 3 MegaUpload executives “at large” as the DoJ calls them, and Kim Dotcom’s mansion in New Zealand has been locked down by police.
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