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Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Arrested in Paris... Moscow Reacts
24/08/2024
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French television channel TF1 reported that the Russian-born businessman and founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, was arrested on Saturday evening at Le Bourget Airport in Paris. Durov, who was traveling from Azerbaijan with his girlfriend and bodyguard, was detained by French authorities upon disembarking from his private jet based on an arrest warrant.
Arrest of Pavel Durov
According to TF1, the warrant was issued due to Durov's lack of cooperation with French security forces, leading to suspicions of his involvement in drug trafficking and other serious crimes. The European Union's primary complaint involved the use of encrypted messages on Telegram, which investigators claimed had become "the top platform for organized crime." A source close to the investigation stated that Durov allowed his platform to be used for committing numerous crimes.
Telegram Founder
Durov faces serious charges, including terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, and crimes against children, which could result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years in France. He is set to appear in court on Sunday, where charges will be formally brought against him as a French citizen, given that he holds both French and Russian citizenship.
Arrest of Telegram Founder
Moscow has responded to Durov's arrest. Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's permanent representative to international organizations, stated that it has become increasingly unsafe for prominent figures in the information space to travel to countries that are transitioning towards authoritarian regimes. Ulyanov added in a post on X that some people still fail to grasp the risks of visiting such countries.
Warning to Elon Musk
In another comment, Alexei Pushkov, head of the Information Policy Committee of the Russian Federation Council, stated that the "liberal dictatorship" does not tolerate individuals who advocate for freedom of expression and refuse to follow its rules. Pushkov also issued a warning to entrepreneur Elon Musk to remain cautious.
Call for Durov's Release
Andrei Klishas, head of the Constitutional Committee of the Russian Federation Council, asserted that French authorities continue their fight for "freedom of speech" and "European values." Similarly, Vladislav Davankov, deputy chairman of the Russian State Duma, sent a request to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, urging him to work towards securing Durov's release. Davankov also suggested relocating Durov to the UAE or Russia if French authorities refuse to release him.