Why was Telegram CEO arrested? France explained his actions

French prosecutors have provided new details about the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, linking it to an ongoing investigation into child pornography. , drug trafficking, fraud and other criminal activities on this platform. Durov, 39, was detained on August 24 at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, upon landing on a private plane from Azerbaijan, according to an arrest warrant issued by the Paris Prosecutor’s Office. Although Durov has not been formally charged, he could be detained until August 29.

In a statement, Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau explained that Durov’s arrest was part of an investigation launched on July 8 into “an unnamed individual” for a series of potential crimes. concealment, including complicity in the distribution of child pornography, drug trafficking, money laundering, and refusal to cooperate with law enforcement.

Beccuau further stated that cybercrime and anti-fraud experts are handling the investigation and that Durov has been questioned by investigators.

Complex criminal cases in France are handled by special judges, who have extensive investigative powers and can formally charge suspects if enough evidence is found, The New York Times reported. However, these judges can also dismiss charges if the evidence is deemed insufficient for prosecution, and cases often take years to resolve.

Durov’s arrest became a hot topic last weekend. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized on August 27 that “the decision to arrest Durov was not politically motivated but was part of a judicial investigation. Even on social networks, freedoms must be exercised in legal framework. These laws are in place to protect citizens.” and their fundamental rights.” “France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, innovation and entrepreneurship,” Macron wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “This will constant.”

Telegram, with more than 900 million users, is known for its commitment to free speech. However, lax censorship policies have made this place a haven for harmful content. More than just a simple messaging app, it also hosts channels and groups with a large number of participants and minimal moderation.

As The New York Times reports, Telegram has long been under scrutiny by law enforcement for its use by terrorist organizations, drug and arms traffickers, and far-right extremist groups. it for communication, recruitment and planning. Governments, especially in the EU, are increasingly putting pressure on tech companies to combat misinformation, online extremism, child safety and the spread of illegal content .

Russia blocked access to Telegram in 2018 and has repeatedly fined the company for refusing to remove illegal content. In 2020, access to Telegram was restored in Russia, where it is widely used along with Ukraine. According to CNBC, Pavel Durov, whose net worth is estimated by Bloomberg at more than $9 billion, left Russia in 2014 after losing control of Vkontakte, a Russian social media platform that competes with Facebook. He founded Telegram in 2013, currently headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Durov has dual French and UAE citizenship, although he was born in Russia.

In a statement on Telegram on August 26, the company stated: “It is absurd to say that a platform or its owner is responsible for its abuse.” Telegram added that Durov “has nothing to hide.”

On August 27, the UAE requested the French government to provide urgent diplomatic support to Durov and is closely monitoring the situation. A day earlier, the Russian Embassy in France asked the French government for clarification on Durov’s arrest and requested to meet with the founder of Telegram.