.webp)
Last weekend Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France while traveling from Azerbaijan. French authorities did not give a reason why he was detained, with Telegram saying Durov had done nothing wrong. Today the French authorities finally stated the reason for his arrest.
Durov was arrested because Telegram allegedly refused to cooperate in several criminal cases involving certain individuals who spread pedophilia content, drug sales, online fraud, terrorist activities and illegal transactions. Telegram has refused to hand over data that French authorities have requested to help the investigation. The messaging platform is also alleged not to moderate content labeled as dangerous.
Last Sunday the court allowed the French authorities to extend his detention for up to 96 hours. After that period he will be released and will be charged in court.