Montenegro’s Top Court Rejects Do Kwon’s Appeal on Extradition, Likely To Go U.S.

Montenegro’s Constitutional Court has rejected an appeal by Do Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs, against his extradition ruling. This ruling solidifies the authority of the country’s Minister of Justice to decide Kwon’s fate—whether Kwon will be extradited to South Korea or the United States to face charges.

Montenegro Court Rejects Dokwon Appeal

The Constitutional Court ruled unanimously against Kwon’s appeal, which questioned the legality of an earlier decision by Montenegro’s Supreme Court. That ruling had nullified his transfer to South Korea, assigning the extradition decision to the justice minister. 

Kwon’s legal team argued the process was procedurally unfair, but the Constitutional Court found no violation of his rights to a fair trial or family life.

Now, the power to decide Kwon’s extradition lies with Bojan Božović, Montenegro’s Justice Minister. Many believe that Montenegro may choose to extradite him to the U.S. rather than South Korea, as national interests could play a role in the decision.

Meanwhile, the recent court decision gives Montenegro’s Minister of Justice, Bojan Božović, the authority to decide where Do Kwon will be extradited.

Reports suggest that officials in Montenegro may prefer sending Kwon to the United States rather than South Korea. Analysts believe this choice could be influenced by national interests.

Kwon’s lawyers are likely to take more action to prevent his extradition to the U.S., which means it’s still unclear when and where he will be transferred.

Background of Kwon’s Legal Troubles

He was arrested in Montenegro last year for using a fake passport. In August, Montenegro’s highest court delayed an earlier decision to extradite Kwon to South Korea. This followed a ruling from a lower court, which had rejected a U.S. request for extradition, favoring South Korea instead.

However, the Supreme Court later announced that Kwon’s extradition to South Korea was postponed until prosecutors resolved a legal request. 

The delay adds more uncertainty to the case, as both countries continue to pursue him for his alleged crimes.