Dotcom granted access to more funds
Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom says he has been granted access to more assets seized by the court in order to cover his legal fees.
The internet piracy-accused tweeted this afternoon that the High Court at Auckland had made a ruling in his case.
Court staff confirmed a decision had been made by Justice Judith Potter, but would not release the decision to media.
Dotcom has been arguing for the release of funds and other assets such as cars, in order to cover his huge legal fees in the copyright case brought against him by the US Government.
The founder of file-sharing site Megaupload was arrested in New Zealand in January during a dramatic police raid, and is awaiting an extradition hearing.
Dotcom told Fairfax Media he was happy about the "fair "High Court ruling.
"It will allow us to fight back," he said.
The New Zealand Herald reported Dotcom has been given the use of $6m; including $2.6m for legal fees, $1m for future costs and $1m for rent for his Auckland mansion.
This ruling will be the second made by Justice Potter in relation to the seized assets.
Earlier this year the judge allowed Dotcom access to more than $750,000 of cash, investments and flash cars.
He was allowed a $20,000 monthly living allowance that comes from the interest paid on a $10 million investment in NZ government bonds.
He was also able to use a 2011 Mercedes-Benz G55AMG, valued at $250,000, with the licence plate Police.
A bank account with another $301,000 was to be returned to him.
His wife Mona got living expenses, medical bills paid and a 2010 Toyota Vellfire people mover valued at $60,000 - with the personalised plate WOW.
However, another $6 million of luxury cars including eight more Mercedes-Benz and a Rolls Royce with varying personalised plates from GOOD to EVIL, GOD, STONED, HACKER and MAFIA, remained locked up by the authorities.
One of his co-accused, Bram Van Der Kolk was allowed $10,000 for living expenses and a 2005 Mercedes Benz A170, while the company Megastuff was released $74,000 to pay creditors.
Dotcom also enjoyed relaxed bail conditions which allowed him access to the internet and permission to go for a 90 minute swim each day in the pool of the $40 million mansion he rents.
The latest judgement is expected to be released this afternoon.