TechFlow news, French authorities have issued a statement clarifying the reasons for the arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov. According to a statement from the Paris Judicial Court, Durov's arrest is part of a large-scale cybercrime investigation, including charges related to providing "cryptography" services and tools.
Durov was arrested on August 24, 2024, at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, and was taken into custody that evening at 8:00 PM. The arrest stems from a judicial investigation launched on July 8, 2024, initiated by the cybercrime division of the Paris Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation involves multiple charges, including offering cryptography services designed to ensure confidentiality without prior declaration, and providing or importing cryptographic tools without prior notification.
Other charges include conspiracy to "possess child sexual abuse images" and "money laundering derived from criminal activities carried out by an organized group." According to the statement, Durov could remain in custody until August 28, 2024.
Several prominent figures in the cryptocurrency community, including Elon Musk, Vitalik Buterin, Justin Sun, and Anatoly Yakovenko, have expressed support for Durov.
