TELEGRAM FOUNDER PAVEL DUROV ARRESTED IN FRANCE ON SERIOUS CHARGES

Sun 25 August 2024:

Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, has been arrested at Bourget airport near Paris. French media reported that Durov, 39, was apprehended on charges related to his app, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, and organized crime.

French authorities, led by the OFMIN agency, have accused Durov of failing to address the harmful use of Telegram, allowing criminal activities to flourish unchecked on the platform. Investigators were reportedly surprised that Durov entered France despite an active arrest warrant, citing concerns over “Telegram’s impunity.”

Criticism and Outrage as Telegram’s Encryption Draws Scrutiny

Telegram, known for its robust encryption features and a user base nearing one billion, was founded by Durov and his brother in 2013. The app has become a key communication tool, especially during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, its rising popularity has led to increased scrutiny in Europe over security concerns. Russian officials have condemned France’s actions, with some calling the country “totalitarian.”

Durov’s arrest has sparked outrage, with Russian bloggers calling for protests outside French embassies worldwide. Tech billionaire Elon Musk also weighed in, criticizing the arrest as a sign of increasing authoritarianism in Europe. Meanwhile, Russia is reportedly working to clarify Durov’s situation. Telegram and French authorities have yet to comment on the matter.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES