Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's Arrest in the City of Love
Paris, often romanticised as the City of Love, held a starkly different reality for Telegram CEO Pavel Durov.
According to reports from French news outlets such as TF1, Le Monde, and Agence France-Presse, Durov was arrested by French authorities at approximately 8PM on 24 August, as he stepped off his private jet at Le Bourget airport, northeast of Paris.
The owner of Telegram, Pavel Durov, has just been arrested in France for failing to censor the truth on his application.
Potential charges include support for terrorism, drug trafficking, complicity in crimes, mass fraud, money laundering, concealment, pedophile content,âŠ
â Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) August 24, 2024
The jet had arrived from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.
Following his arrest, the 39-year-old entrepreneur was taken into police custody by investigators from the National Anti-Fraud Office (ONAF), a division of the Customs Directorate.
He is anticipated to appear before an investigating judge, which could lead to an indictment on multiple charges.
His detention is linked to a search warrant targeting alleged violations involving the encrypted messaging platform.
At the time of the arrest, Durov was accompanied by his bodyguard and a woman.
The operation was conducted by the Air Transport Gendarmerie (GTA), acting on a French search warrant issued by the OFMIN of the national directorate of the French judicial police.
This office is responsible for preventing violence against minors.
BREAKING: Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, arrested in France and facing 20 years in jail for refusing to censor his platform. The charges include terrorism, money laundering, and moreâlooks like theyâre targeting anyone who defends free speech. pic.twitter.com/vK4u6ae1Gk
â Clown World âą đ€Ą (@ClownWorld_) August 24, 2024
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed the information about his arrest in a Telegram post.
In English, it reads:
âThe Russian Embassy in Paris, as is customary when receiving information about the detention of Russian citizens by local authorities, immediately got to work. There is no need to remind our diplomats of their functional duties. I also recalled how, in 2018, a group of 26 NGOs, including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Freedom House, Reporters Without Borders, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and others, condemned the decision of the Russian court to block Telegram. Similar statements were made in the West (1, 2, 3, 4). These statements were made because, as of July 1, 2018, the Yarovaya law came into force in Russia, requiring telecommunications operators to store recordings of telephone conversations and internet traffic of their clients for six months, as well as decryption keys for users' correspondence, and provide them to the FSB of Russia upon request. Telegram faced legislative issues that were common in many countries due to the technical parameters of its encryption system. These Western NGOs called on Russian authorities to stop creating obstacles to Telegram's operations. They appealed to the UN, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, the European Union, the United States, and other governments, urging them to counter Russia's actions and protect the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and privacy. They also called on internet companies to resist unjustified and unlawful demands that violate their users' rights. They demanded that Russian authorities guarantee the rights of internet users to publish and anonymously view information on websites, emphasizing that any restrictions should be court-sanctioned and fully comply with the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights. Meanwhile, Durov remained free, continuing to develop Telegram. I am posting a screenshot of all the relevant Western organizations that spoke out at the time, including a collective appeal. What do you think, will they call on Paris this time and demand Durov's release, or will they remain silent?â
The Charges Against Durov Encompass a Wide Range of Offences
The arrest warrant for Durov was issued as part of an ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in criminal activities linked to the operations of his platform, Telegram.
This investigation was initiated by OFIM, an office of the French national police formed in November 2023, with a mandate to prevent violence against minors.
The warrant considers Durov complicit due to Telegram's perceived lack of moderation in issues such as drug trafficking, promotion of terrorism, cyberbullying, and the distribution of illegal content, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
TF1 quoted a law enforcement source as saying:
"On his platform, countless crimes and offenses were committed for which he does nothing to moderate or cooperate."
Additionally, there are concerns about fraud due to Telegram's lack of cooperation with law enforcement, as reported by TF1.
Authorities have also expressed worries about Durovâs potential flight risk, given his substantial financial resources and the seriousness of the charges against him.
Investigators argue that Durovâs actions, or lack thereof, have allowed the platform to become a haven for organised crime, including terrorism, drug trafficking, and pedophilia.
Another source who spoke with TF1 said:
"For years, it has become the number one platform for organized crime."
This arrest is seen as part of a broader effort by European authorities to crack down on secure messaging services that are believed to be used to facilitate criminal activities.
Why Did Durov Opt to Travel to a Hotbed of Telegram Controversy?
The reasons behind Durov's flight to France on Sunday remain unclear, given his reported avoidance of countries where Telegram has faced scrutiny.
Many theories are floating online.
jurisdiction so far; 3) The French arrest warrant was valid only for French territory, which may explain why Durov chose to fly to France and not another European country, where he was immediately arrested; 4) As a French citizen, he will not be extradited, although Russia —ïž
â Dionis CenuÈa (@DionisCenusa) August 25, 2024
6) This event will likely have an impact on Telegram content (1 billion users worldwide); 7) It is a signal to @elonmusk and others that they are not immune from punishment for contributing to disinformation, with destabilizing effects on Western states.
â Dionis CenuÈa (@DionisCenusa) August 25, 2024
According to TF1, an unnamed investigator stated that Durov will "for sure" end up in pre-trial detention.
One investigator expressed surprise that Durov flew to Paris knowing he was a wanted man:
"Enough of Telegram's impunity."
Pavel Durov flew to Paris for dinner
According to Le Figaro, Durov planned to spend at least a day in France, and he also had a reservation at a Paris restaurant. Durov knew that he could get into trouble in France, but decided to fly anyway. Figaro journalists suggest that this⊠pic.twitter.com/PnehRtKsNg
â Jediques (@Jediques77) August 25, 2024
French commercial television network TF1 reported, citing unnamed sources close to the matter, that "this search warrant was executed if, and only if, Pavel Durov was on national territory."
It further claimed that Durov didn't travel within Europe often and avoided countries "where Telegram is under surveillance.â
Vadym Denysenko, expert of the Institute for the Future, shared his thoughts regarding Telegram and Pavel Durov's arrest:
1. Durov knew that he's on the wanted list and went to Paris. So this looks like a conscious surrender into the hands of justice. Or someone convinced him⊠pic.twitter.com/P3e26UwJtV
â Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 25, 2024
Russian Authorities Less Than Thrilled, Demands Access to Durov
The Russian Embassy in France has informed TASS that it will demand consular access to Durov from the French authorities.
The embassy emphasized that it has urged the French authorities to respect Durov's rights, but Paris is reportedly avoiding collaboration on this issue.
Russia's embassy in Paris said in a statement reported by the Ria Novosti news agency:
"We immediately asked French authorities to explain the reasons for this detention and demanded that his rights be protected and that consular access be granted. Up to now, the French side is refusing to cooperate on this question."
Zakharova has noted that Durov's French citizenship poses a challenge for Russia.
Nevertheless, embassy officials are maintaining contact with Durov's lawyer, as indicated in the statement.
Durov, who resides in Dubai, holds citizenship in both France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as indicated on the Telegram website.
He has not publicly commented on whether he has renounced his Russian citizenship.
Toncoin Team Advocates Support & Free Speech
The team behind The Open Network (TON) expressed its support for Durov and the principle of free speech on X.
They assured that the "TON community remains strong and fully operational" in the hours following Durovâs arrest, though they refrained from providing specific details about the ongoing investigation.
Statement from the TON Community
Following the recent news related to the Telegramâs founder Pavel Durov, we want to assure everyone that the TON community remains strong and fully operational.
As a community committed to freedom of speech and decentralization, we stand firmlyâŠ
â TON đ (@ton_blockchain) August 24, 2024
The team also shared encouraging messages such as "#FREEDUROV" and "Resistance will prevail" across TON Community channels.
#FREEDUROV
â TON đ (@ton_blockchain) August 25, 2024
Gm đ
Resistance will prevail. #FREEDUROV pic.twitter.com/zAHJFOxf2K
â TON đ (@ton_blockchain) August 25, 2024
Today more than ever, we see the need for freedom of speech and decentralization - two causes championed by @durov and core tenets of the TON ethos.
We are confident that the TON and TG communities will emerge from this with greater strength. #FREEDUROV
- TON Ventures
â TON_Ventures (@TON_Ventures) August 25, 2024
They updated Toncoin's logo and profile pictures to feature the global symbol of Digital Resistanceâthe Resistance Dogâand urge followers to activate the Resistance Pack.
Join the #DigitalResistance, #FREEDUROV with @ton_society. Activate the Resistance Pack:
1ïžâŁShare the post below using #FREEDUROV Hashtag
2ïžâŁPut đemoji in username
3ïžâŁChange avatar to Resistance Dog https://t.co/Hn7LGBPMfA
â TON đ (@ton_blockchain) August 25, 2024
This movement was initiated by Durov during his efforts to protect the privacy of Telegram users and uphold freedom of speech.
Telegram also posted about the absurdity of the French's authorities' "claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.â
âïž Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act â its moderation is within industry standards and constantly improving.
âïž Telegram's CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe.
đ”đ« It is absurd to claim that a platform or its ownerâŠ
â Telegram Messenger (@telegram) August 25, 2024
Tech Titans, Prominent Figures, & Crypto Community Stand Behind Durov
The arrest of Durov in France has sparked a wave of support from celebrities and public figures, including Elon Musk, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.), Vitalik Buterin, Tucker Carlson, and more.
Buterin, who has been critical of Telegram's encryption standards in the past, expressed concern about the implications of Durov's arrest for software and communication freedoms in Europe.
He stated that the initial information relating to charges against the platform looked "very bad and worrying for the future of software and comms freedom in Europe.â
I've criticized Telegram before for not being serious with encryption.
But (given the info available so far: the charge seems to be just being "unmoderated" and not giving up people's data), this looks very bad and worrying for the future of software and comms freedom in Europe.
â vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) August 25, 2024
Musk, a staunch defender of free speech, voiced his support using the hashtag "#FreePavel" and a comment in French, "Liberte Liberte! Liberte?" (Freedom Freedom! Freedom?).
#FreePavel
pic.twitter.com/B7AcJWswMs
â Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 25, 2024
He also humorously commented on the state of censorship in Europe, suggesting that by 2030, one could be "executed for liking a meme."
POV: Itâs 2030 in Europe and youâre being executed for liking a meme https://t.co/OkZ6YS3u2P
â Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 24, 2024
RFK Jr., who recently withdrew from the US presidential race and has shown support for Donald Trump, emphasized the importance of protecting free speech in light of Durov's arrest.
France just arrested Pavel Durov, founder & CEO of the encrypted, uncensored Telegram platform. The need to protect free speech has never been more urgent.
â Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) August 25, 2024
American commentator Candace Owens also joined the chorus of voices expressing concern.
Do you understand the severity of what is happening yet? Pavel Durov truly believes in free speech and created a platform the deep state doesnât have access to, so now they have arrested him.
This is madness. The western world is not free. Perhaps it never has been. https://t.co/8fEIaClWSv
â Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) August 24, 2024
Tucker Carlson, a US journalist and political commentator who previously interviewed Durov, highlighted the irony of a Western country, allied with the Biden administration and a member of NATO, detaining Durov for enabling free speech.
Pavel Durov left Russia when the government tried to control his social media company, Telegram. But in the end, it wasnât Putin who arrested him for allowing the public to exercise free speech. It was a western country, a Biden administration ally and enthusiastic NATO member,⊠https://t.co/F83E9GbNHC
â Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) August 24, 2024
In response to Durov's arrest, several Russian officials criticised France's actions, drawing comparisons to Russia's own attempts to control Telegram in 2014 and ban the platform in 2018.
Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's representative to international organisations in Vienna, pointed out the hypocrisy of the situation, noting the criticism Russia faced for similar actions.
Some naive persons still donât understand that if they play more or less visible role in international information space it is not safe for them to visit countries which move towards much more totalitarian societies. https://t.co/cAmIfU6CwE
â Mikhail Ulyanov (@Amb_Ulyanov) August 24, 2024
Not Everyone is on Durov's Side
As the details of Durov's arrest and the ongoing investigations into Telegram remain unclear, industry groups have raised concerns about the platform's privacy features though that might have been drowned out by the support for #FreePavel.
GrapheneOS, a company specialising in open-source privacy and security-focused mobile operating systems, brought these issues to light.
According to GrapheneOS, Telegram lacks end-to-end encryption for group and one-on-one chats, granting the platform unrestricted access to their content.
Telegram has heavily participated in misinformation campaigns targeting actual private messaging apps with always enabled, properly implemented end-to-end encryption such as Signal. Should stop getting any advice from anyone who told you to use Telegram as a private messenger.
â GrapheneOS (@GrapheneOS) August 24, 2024
The company further noted that Telegram's secret chat feature uses a proprietary end-to-end encryption method, which has known vulnerabilities.
A major example of how Telegram's opt-in secret chat encryption has gone seriously wrong before: https://t.co/cjIOs8Y7fZ.
The practical near term threat is for the vast majority of chats without end-to-end encryption: 100% of Telegram group chats and the regular 1-to-1 chats.
â GrapheneOS (@GrapheneOS) August 25, 2024
Additionally, GrapheneOS questioned the effectiveness of Telegram's content deletion process, suggesting that traces of messages might still persist.
Telegram chose to have the technical capability to see all private group chats and regular direct messages. In doing so, they put private user data at risk of seizure by governments. The scramble to try to delete data shows lack of basic threat modelling:https://t.co/PaJYWIUVYX
â GrapheneOS (@GrapheneOS) August 25, 2024
The firm also speculated that Telegram could potentially share individual and group messages with French authorities.
Durov Created Telegram Under Pressure from Russia
The encrypted messaging app, headquartered in Dubai, positions itself as an alternative to US-owned platforms, which have faced criticism for commercially exploiting users' personal data.
Telegram has pledged never to disclose information about its users.
In the April's interview with Carlson, Durov shared that the idea for an encrypted messaging app came after facing pressure from the Russian government while working at VK, a social network he co-founded with his brother Nikolai, a programmer and mathematician.
Ep. 94 The social media app Telegram has over 900 million users around the world. Its founder Pavel Durov sat down with us at his offices in Dubai for his first on-camera interview in almost a decade. pic.twitter.com/NEb3KzWOg8
â Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) April 16, 2024
The platform quickly gained popularity among Russians, attracting the attention of a Kremlin-linked billionaire.
After a dispute with its Kremlin-linked owners, Durov left VK and shifted his focus to Telegram, which he founded with Nikolai in 2013.
He attempted to settle in various cities like Berlin, London, Singapore, and San Francisco before choosing Dubai, which he praised for its business environment and "neutrality."
Durov told Carlson that people love the independence, privacy, and freedom offered by Telegram, which he claimed had more than 900 million active users at the time.
Just last month, Durov announced that Telegram's user base had surpassed 950 million, with a recent surge in users coinciding with the rise of crypto-fuelled games playable on the messaging app via integrated "mini apps."
He also predicted that increasing government surveillance would lead to the development of secure communication devices inspired by cryptocurrency hardware wallets.
Durov explained:
âThe world is becoming less amenable. Governments are becoming less tolerant of privacy."
He added:
âThat's clearly the trend because they have more technological power.â
By basing itself in the UAE, Telegram has shielded itself from moderation laws, while Western countries pressure large platforms to remove illegal content.
Initially similar to other messaging apps, Telegram has evolved into more of a social network, allowing groups of up to 200,000 members.
This has led to accusations that it facilitates the spread of false information and extremist content, including neo-Nazi, pedophilic, conspiratorial, and terrorist material.
With over 950 million active monthly users, Telegram has become a significant source of information and disinformation, particularly regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
It would be easy enough for Russian government to take control over telegram with- or without Durov's help / acquiescence. Because of its use as a tactical communication tool, it's likely under some official control right now.
Rather the point is the encryption keys. pic.twitter.com/6aAulKH5Je
â steve from virginia (@econundertow) August 25, 2024
The app offers end-to-end encrypted messaging and allows users to create channels to disseminate information to followers.
It is widely used by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and his circle, as well as politicians throughout Ukraine, to release information about the war.
Telegram also provides one of the few unfiltered sources of information about the conflict for Russians, as the Kremlin has tightened media controls.
Another issue: Russian military used Telegram as tactical command network; now it's compromised leaving Russian forces with no clear equivalent.
I guess they go back to using runners. pic.twitter.com/FnW2wJFQrx
â steve from virginia (@econundertow) August 26, 2024
The app's encryption has made it a haven for extremists and conspiracy theorists.
Investigative journalists at the central European news site VSquare described it as the "go-to" tool for Russian propagandists, radicals, and conspiracy theorists, labelling it an "ecosystem for the radicalisation of opinion."
The anti-racism campaign group Hope Not Hate concluded that Telegram had become the "app of choice" for racists and violent extremists, characterising it as a "cesspit of antisemitic content" with minimal moderation.
Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president and current deputy head of Russia's security council, claimed that Durov made a mistake by thinking he could avoid cooperating with security services abroad.
"He miscalculated," Medvedev said, adding that for all their common enemies, Durov is considered Russian and therefore unpredictable and dangerous.
This is what Medvedev posted on his telegram about Durov.
A very interesting plot twist! pic.twitter.com/p8XasqFQZo
â Prepared Serb đ·đž đ·đș (@PreparedSerb) August 25, 2024
Durov has claimed that Telegram attracted unwanted attention from the FBI and other US security agencies whenever he entered the country.
He alleged that US officers attempted to hire one of his engineers during his last visit and that FBI agents frequently stopped him upon entry into the US to ask questions about the messaging service's operations.
đš PAVEL DUROV: THE U.S. WANTED TO CONTROL TELEGRAM BETTER
âWe get too much attention from the FBI and other security agencies whenever we come to the U.S.
The last time I was in the U.S., I brought an engineer who works for Telegram.
There was an attempt by cybersecurity⊠pic.twitter.com/DUpz4j5TpX
â Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 24, 2024
The Open Network was originally developed internally at Telegram but was abandoned in 2020 due to regulatory scrutiny.
Development continued externally through a community of contributors, and Telegram has increasingly embraced and integrated the blockchain network over the past year.
Toncoin (TON) Plummet But Spiked Due to Support for Durov But Still Unstable
Following Durovâs arrest, Toncoin, a cryptocurrency closely linked to Telegram, has seen a substantial price decline.
TON dropped by over 20% after the news emerged, falling from above $6.75 to below $5.40 in under 12 hours.
According to CoinMarketCap, the asset was down by nearly 17% to $5.65 on the night of 25 August.
#TON
Toncoin faced a sharp 20% drop following Telegram founder's arest and is currently hovering around $5.60
Key support trendline at $5.30 - crucial level to hold
Waiting for potential rebound and close above the ma 200 for further rise towards the resistance zone around⊠pic.twitter.com/ZxwoQLVTxy
â topGcrypto (@topGcrypto_) August 25, 2024
This downturn was unexpected, as optimism for TON's price had been building due to anticipated new projects that could draw investor interest.
However, this sudden shift has driven the price to a two-week low.
The sharp fall in Toncoinâs value underscores the market's uncertainty about the future of Telegram and its related ventures.
Investors are likely worried about the potential legal and regulatory consequences for the platform and its associated assets, particularly if the charges against Durov result in significant legal action.
Despite these concerns, TON has begun to rally, albeit not by a large margin, buoyed by supportive investors who are purchasing the cryptocurrency.
Andrei Grachev, the managing partner of Web3 market maker DWF Labs, has bought $500,000 worth of Toncoin to show support for Telegram founder Pavel Durov. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Grachev described it as his little way of showing solidarity.
With the move, Grachev⊠pic.twitter.com/jS0bMy0Y2T
â Crypto Viking (@CryptoVikingAJ) August 26, 2024
It is now trading at $5.63, a 3.97% increase in the last 24 hours but a 17.46% decline in the last seven days.
Durov's Detention Term Extended
OFMIN is overseeing the investigation into Durov and Telegram.
The CEO of the messaging platform was anticipated to appear in court on 25 August.
Reports suggest that Durov could face up to 20 years in prison based on the alleged offenses.
However, French judicial authorities have extended the detention of Telegram's founder, who was initially apprehended at the airport in Paris, by an additional 24 hours to a total of 48 hours.
The initial period of detention for questioning can last up to 96 hours.
The Paris prosecutor's office has promised to release a statement on the matter on 26 August.
Once this phase of detention concludes, the judge will decide whether to release Durov or to press charges and place him in further custody.
âïžTelegram CEO #PavelDurov's Detention Extended By 48 Hours - AFP
His detention will now last up to 96 hours before a judge decides whether he will be charged or released. https://t.co/bbbhoD0eEB pic.twitter.com/llzz8ennws
â RT_India (@RT_India_news) August 26, 2024
Free Speech Suppression Comes at a Cost but So Does Free Speech Expression
The French's charge against Durov can be liken to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) going after Coinbase and Binance, using them as an example for what was to come for other exchanges.
So why not target Meta's Mark Zuckerberg?
Because according to Musk, Zuckerberg has "already caved into censorship pressure" and provides "governments backdoor access to user data.â
Because he already caved into censorship pressure.
Instagram has a massive child exploitation problem, but no arrest for Zuck, as he censors free speech and gives governments backdoor access to user data. https://t.co/RTTGIaD0gA https://t.co/iPb5NIxIJN
â Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 25, 2024
Why hasnât Mark Zuckerberg been arrested when Instagram has a massive issue with tackling child exploitation?
Because he allows censorship and Governments to have back door access to user data.#FreePavel pic.twitter.com/p3gHFwi88U
â Game Over Matrix (@GameOverMatrix) August 25, 2024
One must ask: Are the French authorities justified in holding Durov accountable for these issues due to the platform's alleged lapses and lack of cooperation with law enforcement?
Or could his arrest be viewed as an attempt to undermine free speech, using Telegram as a focal point?
Social media influencer Andrew Tate iterates that Durov had ominously predicted that "they" are coming for everyone back in 2022.
I was with Pavel at his mansion in Dubai a week before my incarceration in 2022.
We were eating a meal prepared by his team of chefs.
I told him they were coming for me.
He paused.
Waiting for the starters to be taken away and the mains to be brought.
A full 2mins later⊠pic.twitter.com/m2FI0V2BpP
â Andrew Tate (@Cobratate) August 25, 2024
Durov's detention is more than meets the eye; it is not as simple as an arrest anymore.
The principles of free expression might be threatened â will free speech prevail or perish?
