Dotcom should not be deported for not declaring a driving conviction

The Herald reports:

Immigration NZ has completed an investigation into whether Kim Dotcom can be deported from New Zealand for failing to declare a dangerous driving conviction – but it’s refusing to say what the outcome is.

The department has not even told its new minister, Iain Lees-Galloway, the inquiry is complete although legal experts say it almost certainly would recommend Dotcom be deported.

But that won’t happen without the report going to Lees-Galloway – it’s his job to make the decision.

Immigration NZ won’t say what the outcome is and instead aims to wait for the end of the legal fight to extradite Dotcom to the United States to stand trial for alleged copyright breaches.

 

The NZ Herald broke the story that led to the investigation in 2014, revealing Dotcom applied for residency without declaring a dangerous driving conviction from 2009.

I’m no Dotcom fan. I think he should be extradited to the US to face trial on the charges against him.

But repealing his residency on the basis of an undeclared driving conviction would be an over-reaction.