Telegram founder Pavel Durov arrested over probe into cybercrime on app, French prosecutors say

NEWS WIRES

26 August 2024 at 3:15 am·1-min read

Telegram founder Pavel Durov was arrested as part of an investigation into drug trafficking, child sexual abuse materials and fraudulent transactions on the popular messaging app, French prosecutors said Monday. French authorities later extended Durov's detention until Wednesday, a source close to the case told AFP.

Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of messaging app Telegram, was arrested in France as part of an investigation into crimes related to child pornography, drug trafficking and fraudulent transactions on the platform, French prosecutors said on Monday.

French President Emmanuel Macron, making the first official confirmation of Durov's arrest since he was detained at Le Bourget airport outside Paris on Saturday evening, said there was no political motive in the arrest, despite many false comments online. He added that France remains deeply committed to lawful free speech.

"The arrest of the Telegram president on French territory took place as part of an ongoing judicial investigation," Macron wrote on X. "This is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to decide."

Durov can be held until Wednesday, it added.

The embassy did not respond to a request for comment.

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