Embattled Terra Founder Operates from Behind Bars
In a startling revelation, Do Kwon, the disgraced founder of the collapsed Terra ecosystem, is alleged to have conducted several cryptocurrency transactions while incarcerated in a Montenegro prison. Reports indicate that law enforcement authorities took 72 days to seize crucial login details and electronic devices that could have restricted Kwon’s access to his crypto assets. This lapse has raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of the ongoing investigation and the potential for illicit activity from behind bars.
Details of the Arrest and Delayed Seizure
Do Kwon was arrested on March 23, 2023, but it wasn’t until June that his electronic devices were handed over to the investigating judge, as detailed in a report by Portal ETV. During a search of the prison facility, authorities discovered laptops, mobile phones, crypto wallet login information, and various codes necessary for accessing blockchain platforms. An official from Montenegro’s Special Police Department confirmed these findings to Portal ETV.
According to reports, at least three crypto transactions were allegedly executed from Kwon’s wallet during his time in custody, with funds linked to a local mobile telephony firm in Podgorica. However, it remains unclear whether these transactions can be substantiated, as Portal ETV has not confirmed their authenticity.
Also read: Telegram Removes Crypto Wallet in France Amid New Legal Issues and Pavel Durov’s Arrest
Security Oversight Raises Concerns
Insider sources from Montenegro’s National Security Agency (ANB) indicated that the electronic devices were only confiscated after specific requests from the Minister of Police and the Police Directorate. These requests aimed to ensure that “everything that should have been confiscated on the first day of arrest” was duly removed. The security lapse in managing Kwon’s digital assets has sparked questions regarding the protocols in place for high-profile detainees.
A Complex Web of Arrest and Escape Plans
Reports also suggest that Do Kwon’s arrest may have been part of a more elaborate plan. Prior to his apprehension in Montenegro, Kwon was in Serbia, having fled there after an international arrest warrant was issued in September 2022. He was reportedly driven from Belgrade to Montenegro under the watch of Serbia’s state security forces, ostensibly as part of a strategy to transport him to a country with more lenient extradition laws.
However, sources claim that Kwon’s eventual arrest was not a random act but rather a well-orchestrated operation. It is alleged that Montenegro’s border control was tipped off regarding Kwon’s forged passports, ultimately leading to his capture.
Unexplained Tech Anomalies and Ongoing Investigations
Compounding the intrigue surrounding Do Kwon’s case, it was reported that his confiscated mobile phone unexpectedly turned on following the discovery of a secret tunnel leading to the High Court evidence room. Authorities have not investigated whether this incident was a mere coincidence or something more nefarious, raising further questions about the integrity of the investigation.
As Kwon’s extradition to either South Korea or the United States hangs in the balance, Montenegro’s justice minister continues to deliberate on the matter. The unfolding developments in Do Kwon’s case not only highlight potential gaps in security protocols but also emphasize the complexities surrounding crypto regulations and international law enforcement.
A Case of Digital Intrigue and Legal Quagmire
The ongoing saga of Do Kwon serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in the intersection of cryptocurrency and law enforcement. As investigations unfold, the implications of Kwon’s alleged actions from prison could resonate far beyond Montenegro, affecting regulatory practices and the broader crypto landscape. With the world watching closely, the case underscores the urgent need for stringent oversight in an industry fraught with risks and challenges.
