While the file-sharing community is mourning the shutdown of one of the largest cyberlockers – MegaUpload, Swizz Beatz (Alicia Keys’ husband and CEO of that former file-sharing service) may face questioning by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. At the moment, it seems very important for the current investigation to clarify his role into this entire business, because American officials claim $175 million in damage.
After last week’s massive takedown operation, which is recognized as the largest criminal copyright case in American history, 7 MegaUpload executives found themselves indicted. As for Kim Dotcom, the file-sharing service’s founder, he has denied the charges and is currently fighting extradition claims after his arrest in New Zealand. Netizens, supported by well-known hacker groups, are trying to express their discontent about the situation, but the investigation doesn’t seem to care.
Although the site’s documents reveal that Swizz Beatz doesn’t have ownership whatsoever of the former file-sharing service, he was still listed as Chief Executive Officer on the website and is known for promoting the service by creating promotional videos. A week ago, Ira Rothken, the representative of MegaUpload, explained that Swizz Beatz had actually never been involved in a meaningful way. It turned out that Beatz was simply “in conversations to be named Chief Executive Officer”. However, the New York Post begs to differ, insisting that the artist was MegaUpload’s CEO for around a year. An unnamed source told the newspaper that it appeared to be a situation where the rapper agreed to take the position of the Chief Executive Officer without first doing his due diligence about the organization.
Today the 33-year-old musician is waiting for being questioned by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to the same paper. It also says that Beatz may hire a criminal defense lawyer. Meanwhile, anyone that’s found guilty in this massive lawsuit would face as much as fifty years in prison.
Swizz Beatz, who’s real name is Kasseem Dean, is recognized as one of hip-hop’s shiniest stars. He has started in the 90’s by producing tracks for such stars as DMX, Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes. He has also released two solo albums already, along with producing tracks by Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and Kanye West.
After last week’s massive takedown operation, which is recognized as the largest criminal copyright case in American history, 7 MegaUpload executives found themselves indicted. As for Kim Dotcom, the file-sharing service’s founder, he has denied the charges and is currently fighting extradition claims after his arrest in New Zealand. Netizens, supported by well-known hacker groups, are trying to express their discontent about the situation, but the investigation doesn’t seem to care.
Although the site’s documents reveal that Swizz Beatz doesn’t have ownership whatsoever of the former file-sharing service, he was still listed as Chief Executive Officer on the website and is known for promoting the service by creating promotional videos. A week ago, Ira Rothken, the representative of MegaUpload, explained that Swizz Beatz had actually never been involved in a meaningful way. It turned out that Beatz was simply “in conversations to be named Chief Executive Officer”. However, the New York Post begs to differ, insisting that the artist was MegaUpload’s CEO for around a year. An unnamed source told the newspaper that it appeared to be a situation where the rapper agreed to take the position of the Chief Executive Officer without first doing his due diligence about the organization.
Today the 33-year-old musician is waiting for being questioned by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to the same paper. It also says that Beatz may hire a criminal defense lawyer. Meanwhile, anyone that’s found guilty in this massive lawsuit would face as much as fifty years in prison.
Swizz Beatz, who’s real name is Kasseem Dean, is recognized as one of hip-hop’s shiniest stars. He has started in the 90’s by producing tracks for such stars as DMX, Jay-Z and Busta Rhymes. He has also released two solo albums already, along with producing tracks by Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and Kanye West.
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