Montenegrin Prosecutors Reject Court’s Verdict on Do Kwon Extradition
Montenegrin prosecutors have rejected the court’s decision regarding the extradition of Do Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs, to South Korea. The high court in Podgorica, Montenegro had previously ruled that Kwon should be extradited to South Korea, overturning the earlier decision to extradite him to the United States. Kwon and his team consider this a victory as they had preferred extradition to South Korea due to the lesser penalties for white-collar crimes in the country.
However, following the court’s verdict, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) raised objections based on international agreements and Montenegrin law. Both the United States and South Korea have accusations against Kwon related to Terraform Labs, making his extradition a matter of contention between the two countries.
The DOJ stated that they continue to seek Kwon’s extradition in accordance with relevant agreements and Montenegrin law, appreciating the cooperation of Montenegrin authorities in upholding the rule of law.
Complications Arise in Do Kwon’s Extradition
The scheduled extradition of Do Kwon to South Korea on March 24 is now facing complications as Montenegro’s Supreme State Prosecutor’s office claims procedural errors were made. They argue that the case should be escalated to the nation’s Supreme Court due to mishandling by the Appellate and High Court.
The prosecutors assert that the Appellate and High Court went beyond their authority in making a decision on extradition, which is the exclusive right of the Justice Minister.
It is important to note that despite the extradition to South Korea being scheduled, it may not be the final verdict. The Montenegro government officials may push for extradition to the U.S. Alternatively, even if Kwon is extradited to South Korea, the U.S. could request that he be first tried in New York.
Given these complications, the final outcome of Do Kwon’s extradition remains uncertain until the Montenegro Supreme Court makes a ruling.
Conclusion
The extradition of Do Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs, has encountered obstacles as Montenegrin prosecutors reject the court’s decision to extradite him to South Korea. While Kwon and his team consider this a victory, the U.S. Department of Justice has raised objections based on international agreements and Montenegrin law. The case is now being taken to Montenegro’s Supreme Court due to alleged procedural errors.
The final outcome of Do Kwon’s extradition remains uncertain, with possibilities of him being extradited to either South Korea or the United States. This case highlights the complexities and legal challenges involved in cross-border extraditions for individuals involved in international criminal activities.
Hot Take: Uncertainty Surrounding Do Kwon’s Extradition
The extradition process of Do Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs, has taken a new turn as Montenegrin prosecutors refuse to accept the court’s verdict on his extradition to South Korea. This development has introduced more uncertainty into the already complicated situation.
With the U.S. Department of Justice objecting to Kwon’s extradition to South Korea and the possibility of him being tried in New York, the final outcome is yet to be determined. The case will now be brought before Montenegro’s Supreme Court, adding another layer of complexity.
The outcome of Do Kwon’s extradition will have significant implications for international cooperation in dealing with individuals involved in white-collar crimes across borders. It remains to be seen whether he will ultimately face trial in South Korea or the United States.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by authorities when seeking to extradite individuals involved in complex financial crimes, and the importance of international cooperation in addressing these issues.
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