Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, was reportedly arrested at Le Bourget airport in France under a search warrant issued by the French judicial police. The arrest stems from allegations that Telegram's anonymity features have facilitated crimes such as drug trafficking and fraud. Durov is now facing serious charges, including terrorism and narcotics trafficking.
Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Arrested in France
According to a report by French news outlet TF1 Info, Pavel Durov was taken into custody on Saturday evening after landing at Le Bourget airport on his private jet. The 39-year-old Franco-Russian entrepreneur was accompanied by a bodyguard and a woman at the time of his arrest by the Air Transport Gendarmerie.
Durov's arrest occurred after his arrival from Azerbaijan and was executed under a French search warrant issued by the French judicial police's Office for the Fight Against Illegal Narcotics (OFMIN). The warrant was activated due to his inclusion in the wanted persons file (FPR) and became effective upon his presence on French soil. A source close to the investigation told TF1 Info, as translated by Google:
"He made a blunder this evening. We don’t know why … Was this flight just a stopover? In any case, he’s in custody!"
Durov has been detained by the National Anti-Fraud Office (ONAF). French authorities have accused Telegram of enabling a significant number of offenses, including terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and fraud. A source familiar with the investigation added:
"On his platform, he allowed an incalculable number of offenses and crimes to be committed, for which he did nothing to moderate or cooperate."
The arrest has had a notable impact on the cryptocurrency market, with the price of toncoin (TON) plummeting following the news. As of now, TON is trading at $5.96, down 13% from earlier today.
What are your thoughts on Pavel Durov’s arrest and the accusations against Telegram for allegedly facilitating crimes? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
