Elon Musk Backs Telegram’s Pavel Durov Amid Shock Arrest in France

QUICK BITE

• Telegram CEO Pavel Durov arrested at Le Bourget airport in Paris by the National Anti-Fraud Office.
• The detention is connected to a search warrant from OFMIN, a French agency combating child sexual exploitation.
• The Open Network (TON) has issued a statement about the arrest of the Telegram founder, expressing support for Durov.
• Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk also shows support for Durov on X, posting #FreePavel.

As per a French news outlet, Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has been arrested in France by the National Anti-Fraud Office.

Durov was detained after arriving at Paris’s Le Bourget airport on a private jet with a woman and his bodyguard. The arrest was linked to a search warrant from OFMIN, a French agency focused on combating child sexual exploitation, following a preliminary investigation.

The news report highlighted that billionaire Pavel Durov usually avoids traveling in Europe, likely to prevent arrest, as his warrant was only valid in France. “He made a mistake tonight. We’re not sure why… Was this flight just a layover? Either way, he’s now in custody,” a source told the French news outlet.

Additionally, it has been suggested that Durov might meet with an investigating judge Saturday night and could face charges on Sunday for offenses including terrorism, drug-related crimes, fraud, money laundering, receiving stolen goods, and possibly more.

An investigator from France’s National Anti-Fraud Office (ONAF) stated that Durov will likely end up in pre-trial detention. His platform has been used for numerous crimes, and he hasn’t done enough to moderate or cooperate.

The X account for The Open Network (TON) has issued a statement about the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France. It assures that the TON community is strong and operational, emphasizing their commitment to free speech and decentralization. The statement also expresses support for Durov during this difficult period.

Reports suggest that the statement was probably issued to ease market fears after Toncoin, the native token of TON, dropped nearly 20% due to Durov’s arrest, though it has since recovered slightly. 

“We urge everyone to stay calm, united, and keep working as we get through this together,” the statement says. 

Notable figures, both from the crypto world and beyond, have backed Durov, including American journalist Tucker Carlson and X platform owner Elon Musk. 

Pantera Capital’s Franklin Bi also showed support with a “#FreePavel” post.

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