Montenegro’s Appellate Court Affirms Do Kwon’s Extradition to South Korea

Following a series of legal battles over Do Kwon's extradition, it seems that the co-founder and former CEO of Terraform Labs may soon be transferred to South Korean authorities, as affirmed by Montenegro's Appellate Court.

Terraform Labs’ CEO, who was apprehended alongside Kwon in March 2023, initially faced extradition to the US before the Appellate Court intervened.

But Do Kwon's Extradition Appeal Denied

In its announcement on March 20, the Montenegrin Appellate Court confirmed the previous ruling by the High Court to extradite Do Kwon to South Korea. Additionally, Kwon's appeal to overturn the decision was rejected.

Despite previous successful appeals to avoid extradition to South Korea or the US, Kwon's legal team faced defeat this time.

Initially slated for extradition to the US, the Appellate Court nullified the decision citing procedural violations.

Though the timing of extradition remains unspecified, South Korea’s Police reportedly enlisted Interpol’s assistance in bringing Kwon back to the country. But 

Prioritizing South Korea over the US

The Appellate Court clarified that South Korea’s extradition request took precedence over the US request, a factor considered by the High Court.

"Upon reviewing the defendant’s counsel’s appeal, the Appellate Court panel affirmed the High Court's decision, noting the chronological precedence of South Korea’s extradition request over that of the USA."

However, US prosecutors intend to contest Kwon’s deportation to South Korea, having charged him in connection with the collapse of TerraUSD (UST) stablecoin and the LUNA token.

Kwon, along with Terraform’s former Chief Legal Officer, Han Chang-joon, was sentenced to four months in prison for possession of a forged passport.