According to ShibDaily, Do Kwon, the co-founder and former CEO of Terraform Labs, has been extradited to the United States to face criminal charges related to the collapse of the Terra Luna ecosystem. The extradition was carried out by Montenegrin authorities and Interpol at the Podgorica Airport border crossing. Montenegro’s Prime Minister, Milojko Spajić, confirmed the extradition on December 31 through a post on X, emphasizing the country's commitment to innovation and zero tolerance for fraud. Spajić stated that the extradition underscores Montenegro's dedication to international justice and the rule of law.

The extradition occurred four days after Montenegrin Justice Minister Bojan Božović approved Kwon’s transfer to the U.S., dismissing a petition from South Korea, where Kwon also faces charges and holds citizenship. Kwon had spent four months in a Montenegrin prison for using fake travel documents and endured over a year of legal uncertainty as courts deliberated on whether to extradite him to the U.S. or South Korea. His legal team repeatedly filed appeals, delaying the process and prompting officials to reconsider their decisions.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had previously filed a civil lawsuit against Terraform Labs and Kwon, resulting in a court ruling in April that held both parties liable for fraud. They agreed to a settlement involving approximately $4.5 billion in disgorgement, civil penalties, and interest. In March 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice charged Do Kwon with eight felonies, including commodities fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to manipulate markets. It remains uncertain where Kwon is currently detained and when he will appear in a U.S. court following his extradition.

The extradition has sparked a jurisdictional dispute between the United States and South Korea, as both countries seek to prosecute Kwon. The May 2022 crash of the Terra Luna ecosystem resulted in a loss of $50 billion in value within three days, impacting global investors significantly. This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.