Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office Explains Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s Arrest and Detention

As a seasoned researcher with a knack for unraveling intricate tales, I find this story of Pavel Durov’s arrest in Paris to be as captivating as a Hitchcock thriller. The charges against him, spanning from cybercrimes to drug trafficking, have sent ripples through the tech and financial worlds, much like the waves caused by the Titanic’s sinking did on Wall Street back in 1912.


On August 26, 2024, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris on August 24. The statement revealed that his arrest occurred at 8 p.m., kick-starting an extensive legal investigation launched by the cybercrime division of the office. This division is known as JUNALCO.

The statement details that the investigation into Durov and his platform involves numerous criminal offenses. Various people have been indicted for allegedly collaborating in running an online service to execute unlawful transactions within criminal networks. Additionally, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office has claimed that Durov is being charged with obstructing justice by failing to supply essential information demanded by law enforcement agencies, a requirement for conducting legal wiretaps.

As a researcher, I’m sharing new information from a press release that suggests my actions may be under scrutiny. The statement alleges that I have been involved in managing and disseminating prohibited materials, particularly focusing on the illegal trade of narcotics. I’ve been accused of being complicit in the procurement, transportation, and possession of these substances.

The judicial proceedings mentioned in the press statement are being handled by investigative magistrates from the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, working closely with specialized units such as the Centre for Combating Cybercrime (C3N) and the National Anti-Fraud Office (ONAF). These organizations have been jointly tasked to carry on the investigation, underscoring the intricacy and significant importance of the case, as described in the press release.

According to a recent press release, Durov’s arrest resulted in his extended police detention starting from August 25, 2024. This was authorized by an investigative judge and could last up to 96 hours. The length of this custody period underscores the gravity of the suspected crimes, which are all categorized as organized crime offenses, as stated by the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office.

The press release also touches upon some of the intricate allegations concerning cryptography. Durov stands accused of offering cryptology services intended to maintain secrecy without the proper legal authorization. Furthermore, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office emphasizes that the investigation focuses on his actions in importing cryptographic tools which do not comply with the mandatory requirements for prior declaration, thus adding weight to the accusations against him.

This morning, President Emmanuel Macron spoke out about the situation on social media platform X concerning Pavel Durov’s arrest. He made clear that France values free speech, innovation, and entrepreneurship, but emphasized these liberties must be exercised responsibly within the bounds of the law to safeguard citizens and their essential rights. Macron explained that Durov’s detention was part of an ongoing legal investigation, not a political move. He stressed the importance of the judiciary maintaining its independence in applying the law and making decisions about the case’s resolution.

In light of the recent events surrounding Pavel Durov’s arrest, misleading information about France has surfaced. However, it is crucial to note that France stands firm on its values, which include freedom of expression, communication advancement, and entrepreneurial spirit. Regardless of these circumstances, this commitment remains unchanged in a nation governed by the rule of law.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 26, 2024

Currently, Toncoin ($TON), a cryptocurrency tightly linked to the Telegram messaging service via The Open Network (TON)—a blockchain project initially created by Telegram—is being traded at approximately $5.60. This is a decrease of almost 18% since the announcement of Durov’s arrest.

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2024-08-26 20:16