- Montenegro’s Supreme Court annulled a lower court decision on Do Kwon’s extradition, sending the case back to the High Court in Podgorica
- The High Court in Podgorica will decide whether Kwon is extradited to the United States or South Korea, where he faces criminal charges
- Kwon remains free to travel within Montenegro until the courts decide on his extradition case
The Supreme Court of Montenegro has annulled a lower court’s decision regarding the extradition of Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon. Kwon faces criminal charges in both the United States and South Korea, but has been in Montenegro since his March 2023 arrest for using falsified travel documents.
The Ruling Explained
In its April 5 ruling, the Supreme Court said it approved a request for a “protection of legality” against a lower court decision that would have allowed Kwon’s extradition to South Korea. Prosecutors argued the appellate court violated procedure by rejecting an appeal from Kwon’s legal team, placing the final decision with the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court said the extradition decision will now return to the High Court in Podgorica. This court could decide whether Kwon is sent to the US or South Korea. Kwon reportedly remains free to travel within Montenegro until the courts make a final decision.
The Ongoing Court Cases Against Kwon and Terraform Labs
With Kwon absent, lawyers representing the US Securities and Exchange Commission have moved forward with a jury trial against Terraform Labs and Kwon in March. Some of Kwon’s statements have been read into the record.
While Kwon remains in Montenegro, Terraform Labs’ former CFO Han Chang-joon was extradited to South Korea in March 2023. South Korean authorities have indicted several individuals connected to Terraform Labs, including co-founder Hyun-seong Shin.
