Do Kwon’s Extradition Hangs in Balance: Montenegro’s Minister to Weigh U.S. vs. South Korea

A Montenegrans high court’s latest decision means that Justice Minister, Andrej Milovic, is now responsible for deciding where Do Kwon will be extradited to.

Do Kwon’s Extradition Still Undetermined

The story of Do Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs, and his extradition case has taken another twist as Montenegro’s judicial system ponders a significant decision. Following a recent ruling by Montenegro’s High Court in Podgorica, Justice Minister Andrej Milovic now holds the power to determine which country, the US or South Korea, will receive Do Kwon for extradition.

After the High Court ruled in favor of Kwon’s extradition, Marija Rakovic from Podgorica High Court stated that the Justice Minister Andrej Milovic holds the power to make the final decision regarding Kwon’s case. The court’s verdict indicates that the necessary legal conditions for extraditing Kwon to both South Korea and the United States have been met, leaving the outcome ultimately up to Minister Milovic.

Legal Maneuvers and Appeal Process

After Montenegro’s Supreme Court overturned a prior extradition ruling due to jurisdiction concerns, the Podgorica High Court reconsidered the case of Kwon, as emphasized by the Supreme Court’s emphasis on the minister’s authority in extradition matters. Consequently, this led to the recent decision.

Although the appeal process is still ongoing, there are rumors about the potential extradition of Kwon to the United States. The Minister’s past statements, highlighting the significance of the U.S. as Montenegro’s primary diplomatic ally, may suggest a lean towards Kwon being subjected to American legal proceedings.

Background and Allegations

Kwon’s legal issues in Montenegro arose when he was apprehended for attempting to exit the country with fabricated travel papers. This incident is linked to larger claims against Kwon and Terraform Labs, which accuse them of deceiving investors through fraudulent activities during the platform’s downfall in May 2022.

Lately, a civil court verdict in the United States that accused Kwon and Terraform Labs of fraud adds complexity to Kwon’s legal predicament. The SEC’s lawsuit against Terraform Labs commenced without Kwon’s attendance due to his arrest in Montenegro and subsequent extradition processes, leading to postponements.

Continued Legal Battle

The legal process surrounding Kwon’s case in Montenegro has been intricate, with numerous legal maneuvers and appeals. With a three-day window for Kwon’s defense team to challenge the latest ruling, the ongoing legal battle adds to the uncertainty about what will happen next in this high-profile extradition case.

During the legal proceedings, attention focuses on Justice Minister Andrej Milovic, as his choice will eventually decide if Do Kwon is brought to account in the US or South Korea.

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2024-04-12 17:10