Macron Says Telegram CEO Arrest in France Not Political Decision
14:40 GMT 26.08.2024 (Updated: 15:57 GMT 26.08.2024)
© AP Photo / Ludovic Marin
Subscribe
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France is not a political decision, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday.
On Saturday, Russian-born Durov, who is a citizen of multiple countries, including France, was detained in France on charges linked to criminal uses of the Telegram app, including terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud, which could land the 39-year-old billionaire in prison for up to 20 years.
Macron says arrest of Telegram's Durov 'in no way a political decision'
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) August 26, 2024
Durov's arrest is part of ongoing probe, 'up to judges to decide' — Macron pic.twitter.com/ZODvJPgr4J
"The detention... took place as part of an ongoing judicial investigation. This is by no means a political decision. The decision will be made by the judges," Macron said on X.
What are the Charges Against Durov?
Durov is charged with refusing to cooperate on cyber and financial crimes on Telegram, and is currently still in custody, while the investigation is underway, Reuters reported on Monday, citing police.
Durov charged with refusing to cooperate on cyber and financial crimes on Telegram — reports quoting police
— Sputnik (@SputnikInt) August 26, 2024
French police said that the Durov case is still under investigation – media
French police say Durov is still in custody. An investigation is underway – reports pic.twitter.com/21768sbtvY
Reaction From OHCHR
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) told Sputnik on Monday that it is aware of the arrest of the founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, in France, but does not have enough information to comment on the issue.
"We are aware of the reports on the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France. At this stage of the investigation, we do not have enough information, and it would be too early for us to weigh in," the OHCHR said.
On Saturday, Russian-born Durov, who is a citizen of multiple countries, including France, was detained in France on charges linked to criminal uses of the Telegram app, including terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering and fraud, which could land the 39-year-old billionaire in prison for up to 20 years. Later, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Durov's arrest was not a political decision, but a one made by judges.
Durov May Remain in Police Custody in France Until August 28 - Paris Prosecutor's Office
The founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, may remain in police custody in France until August 28, the Paris Prosecutor's Office told Sputnik on Monday.
"The custody period was extended until the 25th August 2024 by an investigative magistrate and can last up to 96 hours (that being the 28th August 2024) given the applicable procedure for organized crime offences, as referred to above," the statement read.
The case against Durov in France was opened on July 8, and the CEO has been charged with 12 crimes, the Paris Prosecutor's Office said.
"Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of instant messaging and platform Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget airport in the outskirts of Paris on Saturday, the 24th of August 2024, then taken into police custody at 8 p.m. This measure comes in the context of a judicial investigation opened the 8th of July 2024, following a preliminary inquiry initiated by Section J3 - JUNALCO (Fight against Cybercrime) of the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office," the statement said.
Durov is being interrogated as part of the investigation of numerous cybercrimes in the case against an unnamed person, the Paris Prosecutor's Office said, adding that the charges include, among others, fraud, illegal transactions, drug trafficking, distribution of pornography, money laundering, providing illegal cryptography services, as well as refusing to communicate at the request of competent authorities.
