Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been arrested in France on serious charges, including terrorism, pedophilia, and drug trafficking. The arrest comes as a shock to the tech world, given Durov’s reputation for privacy and security.
According to French authorities, Durov is accused of facilitating the distribution of illegal content on Telegram. They believe that the platform has been used to traffic drugs, promote child exploitation, and spread extremist ideologies.
Reactions to the Arrest:
Russian Officials: Russian officials have condemned the arrest, calling it a “political tool” to gain access to Telegram users’ personal information. Deputy Speaker of the Russian Parliament, Vladislav Davankov, has urged the Russian Foreign Minister to secure Durov’s release.
Elon Musk: Tech mogul Elon Musk has publicly acknowledged the arrest, though he has not provided any additional details.
Implications for Telegram:
Durov’s arrest could have significant implications for Telegram. If found guilty, he could face up to 20 years in prison. Additionally, the French government may seek access to all correspondence on the platform that they deem necessary.
The Mystery Surrounding the Arrest:
It remains unclear why Durov, who is known to avoid countries where Telegram’s work is under surveillance, chose to visit France. His arrest has raised questions about the motivations behind the French authorities’ actions.
Stay Tuned: As this story develops, we will continue to provide updates on the situation.
