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Tengrinews.kz - Pavel Durov, the founder of the messaging app Telegram and the social network VKontakte, has been detained by French intelligence services at Paris airport.
Tengrinews.kz - Pavel Durov, the founder of the messaging app Telegram and the social network VKontakte, has been detained by French intelligence services at Paris airport.
According to French news channel LCI, he arrived there from Azerbaijan on a private business jet. Durov is suspected of facilitating drug trafficking and other serious crimes as the creator of the messenger.
According to French media, Durov has been placed in custody. He faces up to 20 years in prison and will appear in court soon.
It is noted that Durov holds French citizenship.
In response to this, entrepreneur and billionaire Elon Musk has decided to comment. Musk wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that this has become a promotion for the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech.
Check out this ad for the First Amendment. It is very convincing.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 24, 2024
https://t.co/mb4UCSZcgR
"POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme," he later wrote ironically.
Meanwhile, the Russian Embassy in France has begun investigating the situation with Durov's arrest, although his representatives did not ask for help. Vice Speaker of the State Duma Vladislav Davankov has appealed to the Russian Foreign Minister to secure his release.
"His arrest may be politically motivated and aimed at accessing Telegram users’ data. This is unacceptable," he said.
However, the Russian Ministry stated that Davankov's appeal was not a catalyst for the diplomats' actions.
The Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Aerospace Industry, Zhaslan Madiyev, also commented on Pavel Durov's detention in France.
The minister posted a message expressing support for Pavel Durov and the Telegram team in light of the recent events.
"We, along with the Telegram team, have been addressing issues related to data leaks, combating drug trafficking, and other illegal activities. The Telegram team is always ready to cooperate to ensure safety while remaining committed to the principles of privacy protection and freedom of speech," Madiyev wrote on Facebook.
Later, French President Emmanuel Macron posted a message unrelated to Durov's detention. It was about the Independence Day of Ukraine.
"On this Ukrainian Independence Day, France sends messages of constant support to Ukrainians. For your freedom and independence, in the name of the European values we share, our support remains steadfast," wrote the French President.
By the way, the post is written in Ukrainian. However, most of the comments, totaling over 3,000, are about Pavel Durov.
"Free Durov," write users.
The French President has not yet reacted to this activity on his page.
However, Telegram responded to Pavel Durov's detention by stating that the company complies with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act, and is enhancing its moderation to meet industry standards.
"Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and he often travels around Europe. It is absurd to claim that the platform or its owner is responsible for the abuse of this platform," the company stated.
Telegram noted that the platform is used by nearly a billion users worldwide as "a means of communication and a source of important information.”
The company also stated that they expect a swift resolution of the situation.
However, despite everything, Durov's detention may be extended to a maximum of 96 hours as decided by the investigative judge, according to La Provence.
At the end of this period, the judge may decide whether to release Durov, file charges, or extend his detention.
French media reported that the French Ministry of Justice (OFMIN) issued an arrest warrant for Durov on charges of fraud, illegal drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and terrorism propaganda.
Durov is suspected of failing to take measures to prevent the criminal use of his platform.
