Montenegro’s Top Prosecutor Challenges Do Kwon’s Extradition to South Korea
The recent ruling mandating the extradition of Do Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs, to South Korea is now facing challenges from Montenegro’s top prosecutor. The Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office in Montenegro is escalating the case to the Supreme Court for review, claiming that errors were made in the previous ruling.
Ruling and Extradition
A high court ruling in Podgorica had ordered Kwon’s extradition to South Korea. The charges against him are related to the collapse of Terra in May 2022. Kwon’s partner, Han Chang-joon, has already been extradited to South Korea. Both South Korea and the United States had appealed for his extradition, but Montenegro’s minister of justice gave preference to South Korea. However, this decision is now being challenged by Montenegro’s top prosecutor.
This development in Montenegro puts Do Kwon’s extradition plans to South Korea on hold. There is a possibility that he may end up being extradited to the United States instead, as it is the preferred location according to Montenegro’s government.
Do Kwon’s Arrest and Terra’s Collapse
Do Kwon was arrested in March 2023 in Montenegro for using a fake Costa Rican passport while traveling to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He is known as the architect behind the failed crypto project called TerraUSD stablecoin, which was launched in 2022.
TerraUSD was designed as a utility token on the blockchain and was pegged algorithmically 1:1 to the U.S. dollar. However, it lost its pegging, leading to its collapse along with LUNA, the Terra sister token. As a result, both the United States and South Korean authorities pursued Kwon.
Kwon initially escaped to Singapore to avoid South Korean prosecutors, who were investigating his fraud charges. However, he was later apprehended in Montenegro and sentenced to four months imprisonment after being caught with a forged Costa Rican passport.
Currently, South Korean authorities are intensifying their efforts to ensure that Kwon faces prosecution for his alleged fraud cases and tax evasion. However, Kwon denies the charges, claiming that the collapse of the Terra ecosystem was due to market forces and not criminal actions.
Challenging Extradition
The Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office in Montenegro is challenging the ruling mandating Do Kwon’s extradition to South Korea. They believe that errors were made during the proceedings and are seeking a review by the Supreme Court. This move puts Do Kwon’s extradition plans on hold and raises the possibility of him being extradited to the United States instead.
Errors in Proceedings
The Montenegrin prosecutor’s office claims that mistakes were made during the high court ruling that ordered Kwon’s extradition. They argue that these errors undermine the integrity of the proceedings and warrant a review by the Supreme Court.
While specific details about the alleged errors have not been disclosed, it is clear that Montenegro’s top prosecutor believes there are significant issues with the ruling. By challenging the extradition decision, they are seeking a fair and unbiased evaluation of the case.
Potential Extradition to the United States
If Montenegro’s top prosecutor is successful in challenging Kwon’s extradition to South Korea, there is a possibility that he may be extradited to the United States instead. According to Montenegro’s government, the preferred location for his extradition is now the United States.
This shift in preference raises questions about the nature of the charges against Kwon and the potential involvement of U.S. authorities in his case. It remains to be seen how this legal battle will unfold and where Kwon will ultimately face prosecution.
Hot Take: Uncertainty Surrounds Do Kwon’s Extradition
The ruling mandating Do Kwon’s extradition to South Korea is now being challenged by Montenegro’s top prosecutor, creating uncertainty about his future. Here are some key takeaways:
Legal Battle
- The Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office in Montenegro is escalating the case to the Supreme Court for review, claiming errors were made during the proceedings.
- Specific details about the alleged errors have not been disclosed, but they are significant enough to warrant a review by the highest court.
- If successful, this challenge could result in Kwon being extradited to the United States instead of South Korea.
Potential Implications
- Kwon’s extradition to the United States could suggest that U.S. authorities have a vested interest in his case.
- The charges against Kwon, including fraud and tax evasion, are serious and carry potential legal consequences.
- Regardless of the outcome, this legal battle highlights the international cooperation required to address cross-border financial crimes.
As this legal saga continues, it remains to be seen how Do Kwon’s extradition will unfold and where he will ultimately face prosecution.
Sources:
– [Supreme State Prosecutor’s Office in Montenegro](https://sudovi-me.translate.goog/vrdt/sadrzaj/W8V9?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=wapp)
– [High court ruling in Podgorica](https://sudovi.me/ascg/sadrzaj/xb2l)
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