- The investigation involves suspected complicity in various crimes, such as running a platform for illicit transactions, money laundering, and providing cryptographic services to criminals.
- The Russian embassy in Paris has sought consular access to Durov but reported difficulties in communication with French authorities.
OUR TAKE
Durov’s arrest raises significant concerns about free speech and the role of social media platforms in moderating content. As the founder of Telegram, a platform known for its encryption and privacy features, his arrest could set a precedent for how governments regulate digital communication and enforce laws related to online content.
-Lia XU, BTW reporter
What happened
Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder and chief executive of Telegram, was arrested in France as part of a wide probe into crimes that include child pornography, drug trade, and fake transactions on the platform. French prosecutors confirmed the arrest. They said it was tied to a case that the cybercrime unit opened on July 8.
French President Emmanuel Macron spoke in public on the case and said the arrest was not driven by politics. He said the step was taken by the courts and that France will keep to lawful free speech. “The arrest of the Telegram president on French land took place as part of an ongoing judicial probe,” Macron wrote on X.
Durov may be held until Wednesday as part of the probe. The charges set against him include aiding crimes, helping illegal deals, and refusing to share data with the state.
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Why it’s important
Durov, who holds French and UAE passports, is now under watch by both his home state and foreign actors. Moscow asked France to make sure his rights are safe, and this showed the rise in strain between France and Russia. Russian state press said Durov has other passports, such as one from St Kitts and Nevis, but these notes are not yet proved.
The probe into Durov points to the duty of tech firms to stop their tools from being used for crimes like child abuse and drug trade. His arrest may shape how people see Telegram and other apps of the same type. Users may start to doubt the safety and privacy of their talks, and this may cause less trust and less use of the platform.
