Do Kwon Seeks Delay in SEC Trial
Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon has appealed to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for a postponement of his trial, currently scheduled for January 29. The request for delay until March is due to ongoing extradition issues in Montenegro, which are hindering his ability to attend the trial in the U.S.
CRYPTO IN THE COURTS: Do Kwon Wants to Attend SEC Terraform Labs Trial So He Asks to Delay It to Mid March for Extradition - Inner City Press story: https://t.co/R3mq5kcsYs Full filing on Patreon here https://t.co/rQd294gK8k pic.twitter.com/3d525J8B4p
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Legal Challenges Following Crypto Collapse
Kwon faces fraud charges filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in February 2023, linked to his alleged role in the multi-billion-dollar securities fraud involving Terraform Labs’ stablecoin TerraUSD (USTC) and the Terra (LUNA) token. The collapse of these cryptocurrencies had significant repercussions in the digital asset market.
Trial Attendance Hinges on Extradition Resolution
Kwon’s legal team, in their letter to Judge Jed Rakoff, expressed Kwon's desire to be present at the trial. However, the slower-than-expected extradition proceedings in Montenegro have impeded this plan. While acknowledging the court's urgency, they suggested that a mid-March adjournment could realistically allow Kwon to attend the trial.
Complex Extradition Scenario
The legal situation surrounding Kwon's extradition has been complicated. In December 2023, the Appellate Court of Montenegro annulled the High Court of Podgorica’s decision, which had approved Kwon’s extradition to either the U.S. or South Korea. This development came amid requests from U.S. and South Korean authorities for an extended custody of Kwon following the end of his sentence.
Do Kwon’s Arrest and Multiple Jurisdictional Interests
Kwon was arrested in Montenegro in March 2023 for using falsified travel documents. Given the interest of both the U.S. and South Korea in his extradition, there is speculation about the potential for multiple sentences in both countries, underscoring the international scope of the legal challenges he faces.
A High-Profile Legal Saga in Crypto
Do Kwon's request to postpone his trial date amidst extradition proceedings reflects the complexities and international dimensions of legal issues in the cryptocurrency world. His case, tied to one of the most significant collapses in the crypto market, continues to unfold with significant attention from multiple jurisdictions.
