Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested On Charges Of Obscenity And Money Laundering
Paris, 27th August 2024: Pavel Durov, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Telegram, was arrested on August 24 at Le Bourget Airport near Paris. Initially, no charges were filed against him, but subsequent reports indicate he is facing serious allegations, including obscenity, money laundering, child pornography, and drug trafficking. Durov was detained for questioning in connection with criminal activities on the messaging platform and for allegedly failing to cooperate with law enforcement.
Prosecutor Laure Bequau revealed that an investigation commenced on July 8, leading to the serious charges against Durov. The inquiry is being conducted by cybersecurity and anti-fraud experts, who have reportedly questioned Durov about his potential involvement in illegal activities. While the exact nature of the allegations remains unconfirmed, the case is under the jurisdiction of a special magistrate with specific investigative powers.
French President Emmanuel Macron has officially acknowledged Durov’s arrest, stating that it is part of an ongoing judicial investigation. The case has sparked a debate on social media about freedom of expression, with supporters of Telegram alleging that the arrest represents government censorship. In response to these claims, President Macron has emphasized that the arrest is purely a judicial matter, dismissing any political motives behind it.
As the investigation continues, it remains unclear whether sufficient evidence will be found to support the charges against Durov, who could potentially see the allegations dismissed if evidence is lacking. The outcome of this high-profile case is likely to have significant implications for digital privacy and free speech on social media platforms.
