Do Kwonโs Incarceration and Pending Extradition Decision
Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon is currently serving time in prison in Montenegro. However, he awaits a decision on his extradition to South Korea. While he has been released from prison in Montenegro, he remains confined within the borders of the European nation until a fixed date for his extradition is determined.
Arrest in Montenegro and Legal Troubles
In March 2023, Do Kwon and former Terraform CFO Han Chang-joon were apprehended by local authorities in Montenegro. They were found to be traveling with falsified documents. This occurred as Do Kwon faced legal troubles in the United States and South Korea. He was accused of fraud following the crash of the Terra ecosystem in 2022, which resulted in the loss of over $50 billion of usersโ funds.
Do Kwon received a four-month sentence in Montenegro for using a fake passport. The sentence began in November 2023 and was completed on March 23, 2024, according to local media Vijesti. However, despite his release from prison, an order from the High Court of Podgorica prevents him from leaving Montenegro as his valid travel documents have been seized. This restriction is expected due to Do Kwonโs impending extradition to South Korea to face fraud allegations related to his involvement in the Terra blockchain project.
Extradition Process Delayed
In an unexpected turn of events, the Supreme Court of Montenegro has postponed Do Kwonโs extradition to South Korea indefinitely. This decision comes following a petition from the national prosecutorsโ office.
The Supreme State Prosecutorโs Office filed a request for protection of legality regarding the extradition request process handled by a lower court. The prosecutors argue that there were procedural errors in the handling of the case by the appellate court. They assert that only Montenegroโs Supreme Court has the jurisdiction to make such legal decisions. The Council of the Supreme Court will evaluate whether there were procedural violations and if the lower courtโs decision on Kwonโs extradition was legally sound.
Implications of the Extradition Decision
The delay in Do Kwonโs extradition has significant implications for both South Korea and the United States, which have been vying for custody of the former Terraform boss.
South Korea ultimately secured custody of Do Kwon based on their earlier filing of an extradition request. However, recent developments suggest that the extradition process may be stalled temporarily. The Supreme Courtโs decision will determine whether the approved transfer will proceed or if further legal proceedings are necessary.
Conclusion: Do Kwonโs Fate Hangs in Balance
Do Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs, served a four-month sentence in prison in Montenegro for using a fake passport. While he has been released, he remains confined within Montenegrin borders as his valid travel documents have been seized.
The Supreme Court of Montenegro has postponed his extradition to South Korea indefinitely pending a decision on a petition from the national prosecutorsโ office. This delay raises questions about whether there were procedural errors in the handling of Do Kwonโs case and if further legal proceedings are necessary.
The outcome of this decision will have significant implications for South Korea and the United States, both of which have sought custody of Do Kwon. As Do Kwon awaits his fate, it remains to be seen how this legal saga will unfold.
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