Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, a globally popular messaging platform, was arrested in Paris on August 24, 2024. 

He was arrested in Paris on August 24, while he was making an unplanned stop due to a lack of fuel, as a result of the investigation.

His arrest comes after a judicial investigation launched on July 8, 2024, by Section 13-JUNALCO, the cybercrime unit of the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office. 

Durov now faces 12 serious charges, ranging from facilitating illegal online transactions to involvement in the distribution of child pornography. 

The Charges in Detail

The 12 charges against Durov are serious and varied. They include:

• Complicity in Facilitating Illegal Transactions: Durov is accused of complicity in creating and maintaining an online platform that facilitates illegal transactions within an organized group. 

• Refusal to Cooperate with Authorities: Durov is charged with refusing to provide information or documents requested by authorities for legal intercepts. 

• Child Pornography Offenses: Durov faces charges related to the storage and distribution of pornographic images of minors. These charges include complicity in the storage of such images and distributing them within an organized group.

• Drug-Related Offenses: The charges include complicity in acquiring, possessing, and selling narcotic substances through Telegram.

• Cybercrime: Durov is accused of complicity in providing tools and data designed to damage automated data processing systems without legitimate reason.

• Fraud and Criminal Conspiracy: Additional charges include complicity in fraud committed by an organized group and criminal conspiracy to commit offenses punishable by at least five years in prison.

• Money Laundering: Durov is also charged with laundering proceeds from organized criminal activities.

• Illegal Provision of Cryptology Services: The charges extend to providing cryptology services and tools without proper certification or declaration, which is illegal under French law.

Reactions and Implications

Durov's arrest has sparked significant controversy and concern, both within and outside of France. Some public figures, including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, have called for more transparency about the reasons behind Durov's arrest. Musk, in particular, questioned the motives behind the arrest, highlighting the need for greater public understanding of the case.

In response to the arrest, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Durov's arrest was not a political decision but part of an ongoing judicial investigation. Macron reaffirmed France's commitment to upholding the rule of law, including the protection of citizens' fundamental rights and freedoms. He emphasized that freedom of expression and innovation are valued in France, but these freedoms must operate within a legal framework.

Meanwhile, other commentators, including Steffen Kotre, a member of the German parliament, have expressed concerns that Durov's arrest might be part of a broader effort to suppress opposition. Kotre pointed out that Telegram is often criticized in Germany as a platform for right-wing extremists and conspiracy theorists, raising questions about the motivations behind the investigation.

Pavel Durov faces the possibility of up to 20 years in prison if convicted on the charges against him.