The founder of the Telegram messenger Pavel Durov was detained as part of an investigation into cybercrimes related, among other things, to the provision of cryptographic services. This follows from the official statement of the authorities.
According to this document, the case against Pavel Durov was initiated on July 8, 2024. It was preceded by an investigation by the J3 (JUNALCO) department of the Paris prosecutor's office, which deals with cybercrimes.
The following indictments appear in the case:
- aiding and abetting Operating an online platform that facilitated illegal transactions;
- failure to cooperate with authorities and provide necessary information as part of an investigation;
- complicity in possession of pornographic materials with minors;
- assisting in the dissemination of such content;
- complicity in the acquisition, storage and transportation of narcotic substances;
- complicity in the sale or provision of tools for unauthorized access to automated systems;
- complicity in organized fraud;
- participation in a criminal association to commit crimes punishable by imprisonment for 5 years or more;
- laundering of proceeds obtained as a result of crimes of an organized group;
- provision and import of cryptographic services and tools without appropriate certification and prior notice.
According to the release, the court referred the case for further consideration to the Digital Crime Center and the National Fraud Office.
The period of detention was extended on August 25. Also, according to the document, Durov can be held until August 28, 2024.
Let us remind you that the founder of Telegram was arrested on the evening of August 24 upon arrival in France. He faces a total of up to 20 years in prison.
Large businessmen and participants in the cryptocurrency sphere came out in support of Durov. These include, in particular, X owner Elon Musk, TRON founder Justin Sun and Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino.
French President Emmanuel Macron also commented on his arrest. He denied suspicions that Durov was detained for political reasons.
On the betting platform Polymarket, the likelihood of the Telegram founder being released in August 2024 was estimated at 26%, and by October - 74%.
Investigation into Telegram activities in India
According to the Times of India, the messenger came under the radar of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India. The purpose of the investigation is to check for the presence of gambling and other illegal activities in the application, the press noted.
If the information is confirmed and official charges are brought against Telegram, the messenger may be banned in the country. At the same time, 104 million people use its services, according to the World Population Review portal.
