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Prosecutors: Arrest of Telegram's founder is crucial step in cybercrime investigation

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Pavel
Pavel

The inquiry, which began on July 8, 2024, is being handled by cybercrime and anti-fraud specialists. Durov, who is also an Emirati citizen, remains in custody, with his detention potentially extending through Wednesday.



Pavel Durov, the Russian-born billionaire and co-founder of the Telegram messaging app, was arrested in France over the weekend. His detention at Le Bourget Airport near Paris on Saturday has brought significant attention to the platform. French prosecutors announced on Monday that Durov's arrest is part of a broader investigation into criminal activities on Telegram, including allegations of child pornography, drug sales, fraud, and a lack of cooperation with law enforcement.


The inquiry, which began on July 8, 2024, is being handled by cybercrime and anti-fraud specialists. Durov, who is also an Emirati citizen, remains in custody, with his detention potentially extending through Wednesday.


The charges under investigation include complicity in the distribution of child pornography, money laundering, and refusal to cooperate with authorities.


Despite these serious allegations, it remains unclear whether any formal charges will be brought against him.


Telegram, founded by Pavel and his brother Nikolai Durov in 2013, has long been a haven for communities marginalized on mainstream platforms. The app offers extensive social networking features, such as unlimited group chats and broadcast channels, which have attracted a diverse user base, including cryptocurrency advocates and anti-vax activists. However, its light oversight has also made it a platform for harmful content, drawing scrutiny from law enforcement agencies worldwide.


In response to the arrest, Telegram stated that it is "absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform," emphasizing that Durov "has nothing to hide." The case has sparked a debate about free speech and the responsibilities of tech platforms, with some fearing a chilling effect on digital communication services.




The arrest has intensified discussions around the role of tech platforms in moderating content and cooperating with law enforcement. President Emmanuel Macron of France addressed the situation, asserting that the arrest was not politically motivated but part of a legal process.


He emphasized France's commitment to freedom of expression and innovation while supporting the judicial system's independence.


Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after losing control of VKontakte, now holds citizenships in France and the United Arab Emirates. Telegram, based in Dubai, has grown to over 900 million users, partly due to its commitment to free speech. However, this commitment has also made it a target for criticism, as the platform has been used by terrorist organizations, drug dealers, and extremist groups.



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