Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France on Saturday, following an ongoing judicial investigation that began in July. French authorities accuse Durov of complicity in various criminal activities, including child pornography distribution, narcotics trafficking, and gang-related fraud, among others.
The investigation also examines potential violations of cryptography laws. Durov’s arrest highlights growing concerns over Telegram’s role in moderating illegal content on its platform.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the arrest, emphasizing that it is not politically motivated and that France remains committed to freedom of expression.
Telegram has denied the allegations, stating that Durov and the platform have adhered to EU laws. The company maintains that blaming a platform or its founder for misuse by users is unreasonable.
