Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has been detained by French authorities upon his arrival at Le Bourget airport on Saturday evening. Unconfirmed reports suggest that the arrest is linked to allegations of failing to censor content on the messaging platform, potentially including charges related to terrorism and money laundering.
News of Durov’s arrest has spread rapidly on social media, accompanied by varying levels of detail and credibility. While the official confirmation from French authorities is still pending, the reports have sent shockwaves through the tech community and the cryptocurrency market.
The TON cryptocurrency, developed by Telegram, experienced a significant dip following the news. As of the time of this writing, TON’s price has dropped by over 18% from its earlier high.
Durov, known for his outspoken stance on privacy and free speech, has faced ongoing tensions with governments around the world. His arrest in France marks a significant escalation in these conflicts, raising questions about the future of Telegram and its commitment to user privacy.