Do Kwon Seeks Trial Delay as Extradition from Montenegro Lingers
According to the filing, the extradition proceedings in Montenegro are progressing slower than anticipated, and there is uncertainty about Kwon's availability in the U.S. until February or March at the earliest.
Do Kwon, the former CEO of Terra, currently held in Montenegro following his arrest at Podgorica's airport for possessing falsified documents, is seeking a delay in the trial proceedings against him by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Kwon's legal counsel has formally requested the U.S. court to postpone the trial, citing uncertainties surrounding the timing of his extradition from Montenegro, according to news report by Coindesk.
Kwon's counsel has appealed a decision from a Montenegro high court that approved his extradition to either the U.S. or South Korea. The Appeals Court, noting procedural issues, has ordered a retrial, contributing to the delays in the extradition process.
The trial, initially scheduled to commence at the end of January, is now at risk of being delayed due to the ongoing extradition complications. In the event that the court rejects the request for a delay, Kwon's legal team has proposed that the jury be informed that his absence and inability to testify should not be considered unduly prejudicial to him.
In parallel legal actions, both Kwon and the SEC have filed for summary judgment in the U.S., requesting a federal judge to rule in their favor without a trial. Both parties argue that the opposing side has failed to substantiate their case adequately. The outcome of these legal maneuvers will add further complexity to the already intricate legal proceedings.
As the situation unfolds, uncertainties persist around Do Kwon's extradition timeline and the potential impact on the SEC trial. The legal dispute continues to evolve, with both parties actively seeking a favorable resolution in their respective summary judgment requests.
