On Saturday night, Pavel Durov was arrested in Paris, France, on various charges ranging from fraud to terrorism. The arrest sparked significant media attention worldwide. However, today he has been released on bail, though he is still not allowed to leave France. Here’s everything you need to know:
1. Why Was Pavel Durov Released on Bail?
On Wednesday, the founder of Telegram was released on bail under judicial supervision, which means he had to pay a sum of 5 million euros. He is also required to appear twice a week before authorities and is prohibited from leaving France.
Notably, the case is far from over. Prosecutor Lore Becout issued a statement that Durov was formally charged that same evening.
2. The Founder of Telegram is Charged
It’s worth noting that on July 26, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced an investigation with 12 charges. Some of these include “complicity in managing an online platform facilitating illicit transactions within an organized group.”
This crime is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
French authorities are now investigating a wide range of illegal activities on Telegram, involving drug trafficking, fraud, child pornography, terrorism, and more.
The accusations stem from claims that Telegram failed to take necessary measures to prevent these crimes.
3. Implications in Geopolitical Disputes
The case of Pavel Durov is further complicated by geopolitical factors. Telegram has been used to disseminate sensitive information regarding Ukraine’s conflict with Russia.
Additionally, the platform is perceived as being favorable to Russia, which has led French authorities to closely monitor Durov’s activities for some time.
Even Russia’s response to the arrest has added more tension to the ongoing conflict.
4. What Comes Next?
What follows for the founder of Telegram is likely a legal battle against all the charges. Durov is expected to face trial to contest the accusations.
We will need to wait over the coming weeks to see how this case unfolds.
5. TON Rises Following Durov’s Release
Following the release of the CEO, the price of TON, the token of The Open Network blockchain, associated with Telegram, saw a significant boost.
Specifically, TON rose to $5.85 during the day, with daily gains exceeding 5% at the time of writing.
Several projects within this network are linked to Telegram, functioning as mini-apps within the messaging platform. As a result, they show a significant increase in response to the release, though the case may still be far from over.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, finds himself in a complex legal situation following his arrest in Paris and subsequent release on bail. The charges against him, related to allowing illicit activities on the platform, have generated a great deal of controversy in both the tech and geopolitical spheres.
Although Durov has been temporarily released, the case is far from resolved and could have significant implications for the future of Telegram and its TON token.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 29th August 2024