GristyMcFisty used our news submit to tell us he spotted news about Hew Raymond Griffith, alleged Internet pirate and ringleader of the group "Drink or Die". It seems he might be getting extradited to the US after all. This would send the signal to those in New Zealand and Australia that the long arm of the law can reach out and touch someone from across the equator. Hew Ramond Griffith is facing some stiff penalties as he is accused of distribution of some 50 million dollars worth of software illegally.

Mark Kelly, senior associate at Auckland's Simpson Grierson, said the Hew Raymond Griffiths case in Australia confirmed that people based in one country and accused of software piracy could be brought to justice in another under extradition law. While the copyright offences were "found to have occurred in the US", Griffiths had never been to the US and was not a "fugitive" in the sense that he was fleeing and hiding from the extradition-seeking country, Hudson said. Kelly said: "It means technically that a software pirate in Grey Lynn could end up in an American court, even though copyright infringement or conspiracy to do so are not the usual offences that come before the court."

If Mr. Griffith heads for the US to be tried in that legal system, he is in line for some serious trouble. According to the report, he is eligible to receive a fine of up to a half million dollars, even though it is unclear if he ever profited from the illegal venture. In addition, he is also subject to a sentence of ten years in a penitentiary for his alleged efforts.

Source: New Zealand News