Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, has been detained by French authorities in connection with alleged violations related to the encrypted messaging platform. French media, including Le Monde, reported that Durov was arrested upon his arrival from Azerbaijan at Le Bourget airport near Paris. The report, citing sources familiar with the matter, confirmed Durov’s arrest. Bloomberg also noted a Telegram post by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, which further confirmed the incident.
Investigation by French Authorities
French authorities have initiated a preliminary investigation into Telegram, led by L’Office Mineurs (OFMIN), the agency responsible for monitoring crimes against minors. The probe encompasses various alleged crimes, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying and organized crime activities facilitated by the platform. Concerns about Telegram’s content control methods have fueled the investigation, with Durov scheduled to appear in court on August 25. If convicted, Durov could face a 20-year prison sentence.
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Impact on TON
Despite Durov’s legal troubles, the TON blockchain, which is integrated with Telegram, continues to function normally. A recent statement on TON’s official X account emphasized the protocol’s stability and the community’s support during this challenging time. Telegram has not yet commented on Durov’s detention. The TON token, however, saw a significant drop of up to 17% following the news, currently trading just above $5.72, reflecting a 15% decline within a few hours.
Community Reaction
The arrest of Durov has sparked reactions from notable figures. On August 24, Tesla CEO and X platform owner Elon Musk expressed his support for Durov by sharing an old interview between Durov and journalist Tucker Carlson, accompanied by the hashtag #FreePavel.
In a video statement, Durov praised Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, viewing it as a positive step for technological advancement and free speech. Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin also addressed the issue, expressing concerns about the accusations against Telegram and their potential implications for software freedom and communication in Europe. Robert Kennedy Jr., the American politician who suspended his presidential campaign in August 2024, highlighted the importance of protecting platforms dedicated to free speech and privacy, in light of Durov’s arrest.
Cre: Bitcoinlist
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