Do Kwon's Defense Seeks Two-Week Extension for Pretrial Motions

Lawyers for Do Kwon, the founder of the defunct cryptocurrency Terra (LUNA), have requested a two-week extension to file pretrial motions in his ongoing legal case in the United States. The request, submitted to the Southern District Court of New York, cited ongoing "productive discussions" between the defense and prosecution as the reason for the delay. The defense emphasized that this extension would not impact the overall case schedule, and the prosecution agreed to the request. The current deadline for filing pretrial motions was set to expire on July 15, 2025.

The prosecution had previously submitted four terabytes of new evidence for the defense to review, and in April, requested that the hearing be postponed until February 17, 2026. This request was granted by Judge Engelmayer. Prosecutors clarified that a cryptocurrency-friendly internal memo, which announced the closure of the Justice Department's crypto-related investigation unit, would not influence the charges against Do Kwon.

Do Kwon is currently facing nine federal charges, including securities fraud and money laundering conspiracy, stemming from the collapse of Terraform Labs. He was extradited to the United States from Montenegro on December 31, 2024, and pleaded not guilty at his initial hearing. The legal proceedings against Do Kwon are expected to continue, with the next significant milestone being the February 2026 hearing. The outcome of these discussions and the subsequent legal steps will be closely watched by those following the case.

This development marks the first time the phrase "productive discussions" has been used in relation to the case, suggesting a potential shift in the dynamics between the defense and prosecution. The extension granted by the court indicates a willingness to accommodate the ongoing negotiations, which could lead to a resolution or a plea agreement. However, it is important to note that the charges against Do Kwon remain serious, and the legal process is far from over. The next steps in the case will be crucial in determining the future of Do Kwon and the broader implications for the cryptocurrency industry.