US Government to Continue Extradition Fight for Terraform Labs Co-Founder
The United States government is determined to extradite Do Kwon, the co-founder of Terraform Labs, to face charges related to the collapse of the $40 billion TerraLuna ecosystem. Despite a Montenegrin court ordering Kwon’s deportation to South Korea, prosecutors in the US plan to contest the decision and bring him back to the country.
Kwon’s Extradition Order Overturned
The Appellate Court of Montenegro recently overturned a previous ruling by a high court that would have extradited Kwon to the US. The appellate court cited significant violations of criminal procedure provisions as the reason for their decision. This latest ruling marks the third win for Kwon’s legal team in their efforts to prevent his extradition.
Kwon initially won two appeals against a Montenegrin high court’s decision to extradite him in December and February. These victories were based on incorrect applications of legal provisions in the extradition procedures. However, with the recent ruling, the National Police Agency of South Korea has requested Interpol’s support in extraditing Kwon to his home country.
A Win for Kwon?
Kwon’s extradition to South Korea is seen as a victory for him because it is believed he may receive a lighter sentence due to his connections in the country. In contrast, if he were sent to the US, he would likely face more severe consequences. Kwon’s lawyers have also expressed a preference for him to be extradited to South Korea.
However, despite potentially serving a sentence in South Korea, Kwon will still face legal repercussions in the US. It is likely that once he completes his sentence in his home country, he will be extradited or face charges in the US.
These events unfolded approximately two years after the collapse of Terra, during which Kwon went into hiding. He was eventually arrested at a Montenegro airport for traveling with fake documents.
Hot Take: US Government Fights for Extradition of Terraform Labs Co-Founder
The US government’s determination to extradite Do Kwon, the co-founder of Terraform Labs, showcases their commitment to holding individuals accountable for their involvement in cryptocurrency-related crimes. Despite a recent ruling ordering Kwon’s deportation to South Korea, US prosecutors plan to contest this decision and bring him back to the country to face charges.
Kwon’s legal team has been successful in preventing his extradition through appeals based on incorrect applications of legal provisions. However, with the latest ruling, it is clear that the US government will not give up easily and will continue to pursue justice.
While Kwon’s extradition to South Korea may seem like a victory for him due to potential lighter sentencing, he will still face consequences in the US. This case highlights the global nature of cryptocurrency crimes and the cooperation required between countries to bring perpetrators to justice.
As this legal battle unfolds, it serves as a reminder that individuals involved in cryptocurrency ecosystems must be held accountable for their actions. The outcome of Kwon’s case will likely set a precedent for future cases involving similar circumstances.