On August 24, 2024, CEO Telegram Pavel Durov was arrested by officers from France's anti-fraud office French National Judicial Police,[1] in Paris, France, after his arrival in France from Azerbaijan, on the charges of drug trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and fraud.[2][3][4]
Reports also indicate that Durov was on the list of individuals wanted by French authorities, and his arrest was due to his failure to cooperate with judicial officials, including issues related to Telegram's activities. According to French police, criminal activity on Telegram went unfettered through lack of moderators.[4][3]
Arrest
editDurov's arrest took place following his arrival in France from Azerbaijan, at Le Bourget Airport outside Paris, immediately after exiting his private jet. Durov's arrest was based on an arrest warrant issued by the French National Judicial Police as part of a preliminary investigation.[4][6][7]
Durov is accused of complicity as well as negligence involving his Telegram service, where serious crimes, including drug trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and fraud, occur frequently. If Durov is convicted of the charges, he could face up to 20 years in prison. It is said that Durov had previously avoided traveling to Europe due to potential legal risks.[4]
Aftermath
editAfter Durov has been arrested, Russia immediately called for Durov's immediate release.[5]
References
edit- ^ Ataman, Joseph (2024-08-24). "Telegram CEO Pavel Durov detained at airport in France". CNN. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ "Telegram messaging app CEO Pavel Durov arrested in France". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ a b "Telegram messaging app CEO Durov arrested in France". Reuters. 2024-08-25. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b c d "INFO TF1/LCI - Le fondateur et PDG de la messagerie Telegram interpellé en France". TF1 INFO (in French). 2024-08-24. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ a b "Telegram's Pavel Durov Detained in France Over Criminal Charges Related to Russia". Oneindia. 2024-08-25. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Founder and CEO of Telegram arrested at French airport on multiple charges". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 2024-08-25. Retrieved 2024-08-25.
- ^ Badshah, Nadeem (2024-08-24). "Telegram app founder Pavel Durov reportedly arrested at French airport". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 2024-08-25.