German-Finnish internet anti-hero Kim Dotcomis perhaps one of the most eccentric, and divisive, figures in tech history.
A serial cybercriminal to some, a large-than-life legend to others.
You either love him or you hate him.
Either way, boy does he know how to generate headlines.
Since then, the multi-millionaire has been hiding out in New Zealand, living a life of opulence.
Now his past has come back to bite him.
He could face up to 55 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
Thetechfounder has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Dont worry I have a plan, Dotcom posted on X this week, in response to the ruling.
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Dotcoms most successful venture was Megaupload, which worked a bit like Dropbox or Google Drive do today.
At its height, the site accounted for 4% of the worlds internet traffic.
It became a global hub for sharing vast quantities of copyrighted material.
In 2012, Dotcoms wealth was estimated at about $200mn.
His wealth, and penchant for flaunting it, made him a highly visible and controversial figure.
Turns out they dont always have Xboxes in jails.
Police managed to break in, where they found him sitting down with a shotgun by his side.
Alongside his many social media videos, Dotcom even released an album calledGood Timesin 2014.
Yes, you heard that right, Dotcom was a family man.
He has six children from three separate relationships.
So, it shouldnt surprise you that the 2-meter-tall, 150-kg giant even had a stint in politics.
In 2014, Dotcom formed the Internet Party in New Zealand.
His aim was to dethrone the current Prime Minister, John Key.
Story bySion Geschwindt
Sion is a freelance science and technology reporter, specialising in climate and energy.
