Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Arrested: Allegations of Child Exploitation, Drug Trafficking, and Fraud
In a stunning turn of events, Russian billionaire and Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been arrested amid serious allegations. Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed that Durov is under investigation for charges related to child exploitation videos, drug trafficking, and fraud. As the scandal unfolds, here’s everything we know so far about this high-profile case.
The reason for the detention of Pavel Durov, the Russian-born billionaire and founder of Telegram, in France has been explained by Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau.
Beccuau stated that Durov was detained by the cybercrime unit on July 8 as part of an investigation into an unnamed individual, regarding videos containing child abuse, drug trafficking, fraud, operating an online platform that facilitates illegal activities, and money laundering. It was noted that Durov could be held in custody until Wednesday.
In a statement by Telegram, it was said, "Telegram's CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and frequently travels in Europe."
'Claiming that a platform or its owner is responsible for the misuse of that platform is absurd,' the statement added.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, "We still don't know exactly what Durov is accused of."
'What are they trying to charge him with? Without knowing this, it would probably be wrong to make any statement.' An unnamed police spokesperson stated that Durov was being investigated by national cybercrime and fraud offices for not cooperating regarding cyber and financial crimes committed through Telegram and social media.
Durov, who was detained shortly after landing at Le Bourget Airport near Paris with a private jet from Azerbaijan.
He was reportedly held as part of a preliminary investigation into claims that numerous crimes were being committed on the platform due to a lack of moderators on Telegram and a lack of cooperation with the police. The 39-year-old billionaire, referred to as 'Russia's Mark Zuckerberg,' holds dual citizenship in France and the United Arab Emirates. Forbes estimates Durov’s net worth at $15.5 billion. In April, Durov mentioned that some governments were trying to pressure him but stated that the app should remain a neutral platform, not a 'geopolitical player.'
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