Megaupload founder denied bail, was planning to leave

Staff at Kim Dotcom Schmitz’s $30 million mansion had been told only days before last week’s police raid that their boss was planning to travel overseas, and most of the staff would be made redundant.

A domestic employee says Schmitz indicated the trip was planned for mid February, and staff were sworn to secrecy.

In court, Schmitz’s lawyers had argued he did not pose a flight risk, because his wife was pregnant with twins.

The MegaUpload founder was today denied bail and remanded in custody until February 22nd.

His lawyers are lodging a bail appeal with the High Court.