Megaupload's Kim Dotcom accuses US of 'dirty delay tactics'

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New Zealand courts have delayed Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom's extradition hearing until March 2013, due to concerns regarding US authorities evidence.

The news was confirmed by Dotcom defence lawyer William Akel on Tuesday, according to Reuters.

The delay is reportedly designed to allow the New Zealand courts to conclude two judicial reviews.

The reviews are investigating the use of illegal search warrants and evidence disclosure during the FBI led seizure of Dotcom's assets.

"It was inevitable that the hearing for August was going to be vacated because we have two existing cases in the High Court," Akel told Reuters.

Dotcom has since lashed out at the decision via his Twitter feed, accusing the US of using stall tactics to cause further damage to his business.

The extradition hearing has now reportedly been given a tentative 25 March, 2013 date.

The New Zealand High Court ruled that the warrants did not sufficiently outline Dotcom's alleged crimes, on 28 June.

Law enforcement officials initially raided Dotcom's home in January, when 70 New Zealand police officers descended on Dotcom's mansion.

The operation was conducted at the behest of the FBI, which believes Dotcom - also known as Kim Schmitz - is the kingpin of an internet piracy ring.

Prosecutors have estimated the ring netted $175m by providing access to illegally copied music, movies and other copyrighted content before being shut down.

Dotcom's lawyers have contested the charges maintaining that the company only offered online storage.

The decision is a blow to the FBI's global anti-copyright campaign. The law enforcement agency is currently seeking the extradition of several alleged copyright infringers including British citizen Richard O'Dwyer.

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