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VIDEO: The Special Forces Raid on Kim Dotcom's Mansion

By - Source: 3News New Zealand

We're finally afforded a peek at how the raid on Kim Dotcom's home was carried out.

It's been nearly eight months since police raided Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom's home in New Zealand, but the legal battle is far from over. One of the most talked about aspects of this case is the raid that resulted in the arrest of Dotcom at his home in Auckland, New Zealand. Dotcom has long claimed that unnecessary force was used during the raid and a couple of months back, a New Zealand court ruled that the search warrants used were actually invalid. So what actually happened that day in January 2012?

Well, you can see for yourself, as New Zealand TV network 3News has released footage of the raid shot by the helicopters used to drop special forces personnel into the courtyard of Kim Dotcom's mansion. While the coverage doesn't actually take us inside the house, it does allow us a glimpse of just how many police officers were present that day and what kind of weapons they were packing. You can also hear police communications via the helicopter's radio.

The video itself is interspersed with statements from Dotcom that describe what happened that night. Interestingly enough, one officer interviewed by Dotcom's lawyer said that they didn't wear full tactical gear because the situation was 'low-risk,' yet those present were armed with semi-automatic weapons. Dotcom says he was kicked and punched once police located him inside the house. This is despite his claims that when they entered the room, he held up his hands and did not move away.

Check out the video for yourself below:

The Kim Dotcom Raid

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There are 19 Comments.
Other Comments
  • 5
    ikefu , August 9, 2012 11:07 PM
    It takes an entire army to take down one nerd. Apparently all those RPG power leveling sessions must make us powerful in real life too.
  • 1
    nukemaster , August 9, 2012 11:19 PM
    That is a big show of force....
  • -2
    g-unit1111 , August 9, 2012 11:21 PM
    Is it safe to say that Kim Dotcom is the biggest douchebag on the internet?
  • 7
    dark_lord69 , August 9, 2012 11:28 PM
    -JacksonPfft, f***ing typical americans.

    It says New Zealand.
  • 1
    bobiseverywhere , August 9, 2012 11:48 PM
    I have seen less fire power in a full drug raid then what they used there to arrest an internet site owner
  • 2
    anonymous@guest , August 10, 2012 12:04 AM
    Waste resources with extreme prejudice, gentlemen! This man runs a web-based business!!
  • 2
    metalmania31 , August 10, 2012 12:07 AM
    JHC, Jackson, hate America much. Learn how to read.
  • 1
    jarred125 , August 10, 2012 12:37 AM
    metalmania31JHC, Jackson, hate America much. Learn how to read.


    I think he *listened* to the video which stated that the FBI was involved with planning and on the grounds.
  • 3
    HEXiT , August 10, 2012 12:59 AM
    my guess is they wanted it to be a spectacle to dissuade any 1 else from creating the next .com empire. total overkill, illegal warrants this is typical of the way pirates are gonna be treat in the future. basically coperations making there own laws and then sorting it out after... chances are the guy will now have good leagal grounds on which to fight his case and will probably get away with it... then in a few months years he suddenly dies in a car accident...
  • 0
    robochump , August 10, 2012 1:08 AM
    nukemasterThat is a big show of force....


    On occasion these types of over-kill raids are also semi-training sessions. The co-ordination for a raid like this takes tons of training. Good times!
  • 0
    metalmania31 , August 10, 2012 1:09 AM
    Ok, but were the Special Forces American? I didn't watch the vid. Look stealing copy righted material has been going on for long time it's just much easier now and if you were the content creator you should be up in arms over these thieves. So I have no sympathy for them(thieves). But clearly the people involved in this case are making an example out him.
  • 1
    greatsaltedone , August 10, 2012 2:59 AM
    yet those present were armed with semi-automatic weapons


    This seems a silly statement -- should they have been carrying bolt-action weapons instead?
  • 2
    JacekRing , August 10, 2012 3:13 AM
    AMERICASUCKSAMERICANS ARE A CANCER UPON THE EARTH

    ISLAM IS A CANCER UPON THE EARTH, AMERICA IS THE CURE.
  • 1
    alextheblue , August 10, 2012 11:25 AM
    greatsaltedone
    yet those present were armed with semi-automatic weapons
    This seems a silly statement -- should they have been carrying bolt-action weapons instead?
    The media does this crap all the time. Especially hilarious to see on local TV news.

    "Oh noes, semi-automatic firearms! I don't know what that means, but it sure sounds scary! I'm picturing Rambo with a machine gun while I'm reading this news report off the teleprompter with considerably less teleprompter-reading-talent than the President!"
  • 1
    dark_knight33 , August 10, 2012 12:11 PM
    There you have it. Right at 2:27, he says without out a doubt how they managed to nab him.

    He had his shields down. Every nerd knows you put your shields up in an emergency.
  • 1
    RADIO_ACTIVE , August 10, 2012 10:35 PM
    Couldn't a couple officers just knock on his door and serve the warrent lol
  • 0
    anonymous@guest , August 10, 2012 11:25 PM
    Haha his kids are in the house and he runs and hides in a safe room. Glad he's not my dad.
  • 0
    blackened144 , August 11, 2012 12:30 AM
    RADIO_ACTIVECouldn't a couple officers just knock on his door and serve the warrent lol

    I dont know why but I picture him sitting in his saferoom doing the Kids in the Hall bit holding up his thumb and saying, "There nobody home."
  • -1
    anonymous@guest , August 11, 2012 4:44 AM
    The Aussie Police were trying to impress the FBI.
    Citizens are now in more peril from the Police than
    from criminals!!! This kind of Law Enforcement behavior
    is going to get much worse and more common.
    Don't believe me, then examine the new laws that
    Democratic Governments are passing without their
    citizens consent.
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