Popular file-sharing website Megaupload, with known ties to Hip Hop producer Swizz Beatz, was shut down Thursday in a federal sting targeting illegal content downloads.
Federal prosecutors pulled the plug on the Hong Kong-based website, arresting four execs in New Zealand and charging seven people with content piracy resulting in losses of $500 million.
According to the Washington Post, the DJ and husband to Alicia Keys is listed as the CEO of Megaupload, though he doesn’t appear to own a stake in the company according to Forbes.
Beatz, aka Kasseem Dean, was not directly named in the five-count federal indictment. His association with the sharing site is apparently recent and included brain storming of future projects. He was also involved in a promotional video, but “not much else” according to lawyer Ira P. Rothkin.
The government’s 72-page indictment alleges copyright infringement and conspiracy to commit money laundering and racketeering. They claim that Megaupload provided pirated content to users and turned a blind eye to copyright-holder complaints.
Before Megaupload was taken down, it posted a statement that characterized recent federal intervention as “grotesquely overblown.” Legal eagle Rothkin said, “We believe the allegations in the indictment are without merit, and the company will vigorously defend itself.”
A group of high-profile celebrities recently sang the praises of Megaupload. Check out the endorsement video after the jump:
Photos: WENN, Screen Grab