US attempt to extradite 'DrinkorDie pirate' blocked

The ruling could be a significant setback for US prosecutors, who have invested considerable resources into tracking down elements of DrinkorDie and other Net 'warez' groups. An Australian judge on Wednesday rejected an attempt by US prosecutors to extradite a man accused of helping lead a high-profile Internet piracy group. US federal attorneys want to bring Hew Raymond Griffiths, a 42-year-old computer programmer who lives in New South Wales, to the United States to face criminal copyright charges. If extradited and convicted of his alleged role in leading the DrinkorDie group, Griffiths would face up to 10 years in prison and $500,000 (£280,000) in fines.

The Australian magistrate blocked the move, ruling in part that the extradition attempt did not provide enough information about specific instances of Griffiths' alleged copyright infringement.

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