New Zealand · New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Companies Office (automatic disqualification under section 382 of the Companies Act 1993)

Bram van der Kolk: director ban

In force MBIE said the automatic five year prohibition runs until 15 June 2028. The start date of 15 June 2023 is calculated from that end date and the five year term, and matches the sentencing date given by New Zealand Police. MBIE did not state a start date.

Grounds

The release said the High Court at Auckland convicted the former Megaupload executives in June 2023 of being part of a criminal group and causing loss by deception, offences involving the illegal reproduction and distribution of copyrighted works. MBIE said anyone convicted of a dishonesty offence is automatically disqualified for five years from the date of conviction.^1,2,3

Companies

Megaupload.com

Record

• 15 June 2023Sentenced in the High Court at Auckland to two years and six months imprisonment, New Zealand Police said. The offences were participating in an organised crime group, conspiring to cause loss by deception and conspiring to dishonestly obtain documents.^3,1
• 21 June 2024RNZ reported that MBIE had announced the five year prohibition.²

Sources

1. Scoop (release quoting the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment), Former MegaUpload.com execs barred from being directors until June 2028 (June 2024)
2. RNZ, Kim Dotcom's Megaupload executives banned from company director roles for five years (21 June 2024)
3. New Zealand Police, Police acknowledge sentencing in Megaupload case (15 June 2023)

A disqualification restricts acting as a company director for the period stated. It is a civil measure and is not a criminal conviction unless stated. How bans work.