Official statements from French authorities or verified news reports

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested in Paris Over 12 Alleged Offenses, Released on A$8 Million Bail

Aug 31, 2024, 04:51 PM

Pavel Durov, the CEO and founder of Telegram, has been arrested in Paris over 12 alleged criminal offenses. The arrest, conducted by a small cybercrime unit within the Paris prosecutor's office, has sparked significant geopolitical implications and concerns over free speech. David Greene and Eva Galperin highlighted the lack of information on whether this is an isolated case or indicative of a broader move by French authorities. Durov's arrest has caused panic in Russia, where Telegram is a critical communication tool for military operations. The Biden-Harris administration is being probed for a potential role in the arrest. Durov was released on an A$8 million bail after admitting to cooperating with French intelligence. The arrest has raised debates on tech regulation and the balance between privacy and security.