I have no idea about anything having to do with the Megaupload case, but private business influences the actions of government agencies all the time. It isn't as simple as a number you can call, or paying a bribe (which I think is rare in the US). It has more to do with relationships and influence, and yes, influence with a Congressman does play an important part in that mix. It isn't that easy to spot when legitimate influence (which all large lobby and business interests have) steps over the line and becomes corruption.

That is why I was wondering what would have been the signaling channel in this case. Obviously for FBI to put all this effort into it, they'd have to have some payoff (maybe publicity about how well they did the job was the payoff?). So at some point someone had to suggest this course of action and hint on the expected reward.

One way I can think is through Congress. There are revolving doors around many govt regulatory agencies and industries they regulate but I think a revolving door between FBI and Hollywood is a little harder to imagine.

EDIT: Just thought about it. Can someone donate to FBI? I found:

* FBIAA ( http://www.fbiaa.org/donations/ ) * http://www.fbicaindiana.com/donate

Wonder what kind of tricks FBI would do if someone drops $10M in there?

If it happened, it was could be the all the ex-RIAA lawyers the Oboma administration put into the DoJ having dinner with their ex-chronies at the RIAA. Over a few drink, they all talk about how crappy MU is. Next day in the DoJ offices, a few calls go out to the FBI. Cronyism is powerful, and there are a LOT of ex-entertainment folks in the government (and probably some government folks who want to get into the entertainment industry who are more than willing to do favors and pull strings).

Not saying that's how it happened, but improper website takedowns by the US government are not exactly new.

I know. But this is more than just a website take -down. There are individuals being extradited. This involves some actual legwork, not just sending an email to an name registrar or an ISP.