In a dramatic turn of events, the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) lawsuit against Terraform Labs and its enigmatic founder, Do Kwon, has been postponed to March 25th. This delay grants authorities time to extradite Kwon from Montenegro, allowing him to potentially attend the trial for the first time.
SEC Seeks Trial Delay Amid Cooperation
Just days after a judge firmly rejected motions to reconsider earlier orders, the SEC, in a surprising move, requested a “modest adjournment” to accommodate Kwon’s extradition proceedings. This comes despite previous uncertainty surrounding Do Kwon’s presence, facing criminal charges in the US and South Korea alongside his ongoing detainment in Montenegro.
However, a critical change emerged: Kwon’s legal team indicated his willingness to attend the trial and cooperated with extradition efforts. This newfound cooperation seemingly swayed the SEC, prompting them to request a delay rather than press on without the key defendant.
Despite agreeing to the postponement, the SEC wants a joint trial for Terraform Labs and Kwon, citing the interconnectedness of their alleged actions. While Kwon’s lawyer prefers a separate trial starting on April 15th, both sides agreed that March 25th would be the absolute latest date.
As of today, the market cap of cryptocurrencies stood at $1.635 trillion. Chart: TradingView.com
At the heart of the case lies the spectacular crash of TerraUSD, a stablecoin designed to maintain a 1:1 peg with the US dollar. Its dramatic de-peg in 2022 wiped out an estimated $40 billion in investor value, triggering accusations of misleading investors about the currency’s stability.
Legal Drama Unfolds: Do Kwon’s Cryptic Future
Adding to the intrigue, a crypto commentator known as FatMan alleges Do Kwon’s legal team is attempting to shield the jury from his current detention in Montenegro, where he reportedly faces charges of using fake documents to flee. FatMan also criticizes the team’s downplaying of Kwon’s current limitations in participating in the trial.
With serious charges in multiple jurisdictions and a tangled web of legal maneuvering, the future of Do Kwon and Terraform Labs remains uncertain. However, the March trial promises to be a pivotal moment, potentially shedding light on the events that led to the catastrophic TerraUSD collapse and determining the fate of a once-celebrated figure in the crypto world.
This developing story holds significant implications for the wider crypto industry, as it could set legal precedents for stablecoins and digital asset regulation. As authorities close in on Kwon and the trial date approaches, the world watches with bated breath to see how this saga unfolds.
Featured image from Bloomberg
Christian Encila
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