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The FBI has shut down the file-sharing website Megaupload.com and charged the founders and five others with running “an international organized criminal enterprise” allowing for “massive online piracy”. It is estimated that MU and its sister company

, Vector Limited, caused half a billion dollars in copyright losses and made an estimated $175 million. Established in 2005, it was ranked as the 13th most visited website on the Internet at one time.

The site’s founder, Kim Schmitz, also known as Kim Dotcom, was arrested in Auckland, New Zealand by New Zealand authorities on behalf of the US. Kim Jim Tim Vestor, and Finn Batato were also among those charged. Three suspects remain at large, acc

ording to the Justice Department. According to the indictment, “for more than five years the conspiracy has operated websites that unlawfully reproduce and distribute infringing copies of copyrighted works, including movies – often before their theatrical release – music, television programs, electronic books, and business and entertainment software on a massive scale.”

The website was shut down earlier today. The suspects are being charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiring to commit copyright infringement, conspiring to commit money laundering and two counts of criminal copyright infringement. Each individual faces up to 55 years in prison if convicted.

UPDATE (6:11PM EST): In retaliation, Anonymous has hacked into the websites of the DoJ, RIAA, MPAA, Universal Music, and the US Copyright Office. They are all officially down right now! Read more about it here and follow the Twitter feed.