Telegram CEO's Arrest Sparks Debate in Russia
More speculations have trailed the arrest of Russian-born billionaire and founder of the Telegram messaging app, Pavel Durov, since his arrest after landing in Paris on Saturday evening.
A Russian newspaper, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, cast the headline aa “The arrest (or detention) of ‘Russia’s Zuckerberg’, Pavel Durov, is one of the most important, but mysterious global news stories."
Except that "mysterious" is a bit of an understatement. But, why was he arrested?
For two days, reporters have quoted "sources close to the investigation" about the offences Pavel Durov may be charged with (allegedly, from complicity in drug-trafficking to fraud). Telegram put out a statement saying Mr Durov had "nothing to hide".
This evening, the Paris prosecutor claimed Mr Durov is held in custody for a cyber-criminality investigation.
The statement mentioned 12 different offences under investigation that it said were linked to organised crime.
These included illicit transactions, child pornography, fraud and the refusal to disclose information to authorities, the prosecutor said.
The statement added that Mr Durov's time in custody had been extended and could now last until Wednesday.
President Emmanuel Macron noted that there are “false information” regarding France following Mr Durov’s arrest, and added: "This is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to decide."
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists on Monday that “We still don’t know what exactly Durov has been accused of."
“We haven’t heard any official statements. Before I can say anything at all about this, we need some clarity.”
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