Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, was apprehended late at night at Le Bourget Airport in Paris, France. According to TF1, Durov’s detention was executed by the French National Office for the Fight against Fraud (ONAF), and he is presently in pre-trial detention.
Why Was Durov Arrested?
Durov was en route from Azerbaijan to France via private jet, accompanied by a woman and his bodyguard. TF1 reported that a preliminary investigation by the French agency OFMIN, focused on preventing child sexual exploitation, led to Durov’s arrest. The warrant was only enforceable within French borders.
A source detailed the incident, stating, “He made an error tonight. We don’t know why. We don’t know if this flight was just a stopover. But he is currently in custody.”
What Charges Could Durov Face?
Following a meeting with an investigating judge, Durov could face charges on Sunday that include terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering, possession of stolen goods, and hosting pedophilic content. An ONAF official asserted, “Pavel Durov will certainly be arrested. He harbored numerous crimes and criminal elements on the Telegram platform and did nothing to prevent them or cooperate with authorities.”
Impact on Cryptocurrency Market
The arrest news led to a significant drop in the value of Telegram’s primary network asset, Toncoin (TON), which plunged by over 10%. Market analysts anticipate Durov’s detention will have a substantial impact on the broader cryptocurrency market.
Important Inferences
- Ensure compliance with international laws when operating digital platforms.
- Be aware of the legal implications of traveling with ongoing investigations.
- Monitor the cryptocurrency market for potential volatility following key arrests or legal actions.
Durov’s legal situation is expected to become clearer in the coming days, contingent on the duration of his detention within the French legal system.