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US charges alleged owner of international file-sharing site
CHICAGO – U.S. prosecutors say the owner of one of the world’s largest file-sharing sites, Kickass Torrents, has been charged with illegally distributing millions of copies of movies, music, video games and TV shows.
A complaint filed this week in Chicago alleges 30-year-old Artem Vaulin also operates the site. It says the site, also called KAT, draws 50 million unique viewers a month and distributed files valued at more than $1 billion.
New movies were also available on KAT, including “Captain America: Civil War” and “Independence Day: Resurgence.”
The Ukrainian native was arrested Wednesday in Poland. The U.S. is seeking his extradition.
Vaulin faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit money laundering. That count alone carries a maximum 20-year prison term.
No one responded to emails sent to KAT seeking comment.
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