Pavel Durov arrested in France on charges of promoting criminal activity
By ForGeeks French authorities suspect the Telegram founder of links to drug trafficking, distribution of child pornography and support for terrorism.
French authorities suspect the Telegram founder of links to drug trafficking, distribution of child pornography and support for terrorism.
Pavel Durov, founder of the messenger Telegram and one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the tech world, was detained by French authorities at Le Bourget airport near Paris on August 24, 2024. The detention came after his private jet, traveling from Dubai to London, made an emergency landing. According to French media, Durov faces charges of complicity in a number of crimes, including drug trafficking, distribution of child pornography, fraud and promoting terrorism.
According to French media, Durov has been charged with complicity in a number of crimes, including drug trafficking, distribution of child pornography, fraud and promoting terrorism.
French authorities claim that Telegram, thanks to its lack of moderation and ability to use disposable numbers and cryptocurrency, has become «a breeding ground for fraudsters and other criminal elements». The French authorities’ main complaint against the messenger is its failure to cooperate with law enforcement and insufficient moderation of content, which authorities say has contributed to the rise of criminal groups using the platform for their own purposes.
Pavel Durov, who holds citizenship of France, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and the state of St. Kitts and Nevis, faces up to 20 years in prison if the charges are proven in court. The development has caused widespread public outcry. Tucker Carlson, a prominent American political commentator, called the arrest «a warning» for all online platform owners who do not want to censor content at the request of governments. Ilon Musk has also spoken out about the arrest, calling it «a compelling advertisement» for free speech
The arrest caused the value of Toncoin, a cryptocurrency linked to Telegram, to plummet. In the hours after Durov’s arrest, its exchange rate dropped by 15%.
Toncoin, a cryptocurrency linked to Telegram, has plummeted in value.
Pavel Durov has repeatedly faced pressure from Western and Russian security services. He previously left Russia, citing pressure from the FSB and refusal to provide user data to Russian authorities. Now Durov is facing new accusations in an EU country. The Russian Foreign Ministry has not yet issued an official comment on the arrest of its former citizen, but noted that the dual citizenship situation creates additional difficulties for diplomatic protection.
Update: The Russian Embassy in France said it has demanded that French authorities ensure that Pavel Durov’s rights are protected and provide consular access. France has so far declined to engage on the situation with Durov detained in Paris.
The Durov case is likely to set a precedent for international law and regulation of digital platforms. Already, many public figures have begun to support Pavel by posting with the hashtag #freedurov. Observers believe the detention is part of a wider campaign to control independent internet platforms and their owners who resist the authorities’ demands for content moderation.
The case is likely to set a precedent in international law.
It is not yet known how this case will affect the future fate of Telegram and its users around the world. One thing is clear: Durov’s arrest is a landmark event that could change digital security and privacy policy on the internet.
It is not yet clear how the case will affect the future of Telegram and its users around the world.
