Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

6 minutes read. Updated 1:50AM GMT Tues, 27August, 2024

In a dramatic twist that has left global media abuzz, Pavel Durov, the Russian-born billionaire and founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, was arrested on Saturday evening upon landing in Paris. The arrest has ignited a firestorm of speculation, with the exact reasons behind his detention remaining shrouded in mystery.

A recent headline from the Russian newspaper Nezavisimaya Gazeta aptly describes the situation: “The arrest (or detention) of ‘Russia’s Zuckerberg’, Pavel Durov, is one of the most important, but mysterious global news stories.” This characterization underscores the intrigue surrounding Durov’s unexpected arrest, a matter that has yet to yield concrete details.

French authorities have provided scant information on the charges Durov faces. Initial reports indicated a range of potential allegations, from drug trafficking to fraud, though no official confirmation has been made. Telegram, the platform Durov founded, has publicly asserted that he has “nothing to hide.”

On Monday evening, the Paris prosecutor’s office revealed that Durov was being held in custody as part of a cyber-criminality investigation. The prosecutor’s statement listed 12 different offences under scrutiny, including illicit transactions, child pornography, fraud, and the refusal to disclose information to authorities. The detention has been extended, with Durov remaining in custody until at least Wednesday.

French President Emmanuel Macron has weighed in on the matter, dismissing any political motives behind the detention. On social media, Macron stated that the situation was not a political decision and that it was up to the judicial system to handle the case.

In Moscow, the Kremlin has adopted a cautious stance. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented, “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.” This reticence reflects the uncertainty and unease surrounding the case.

Russian state media have been vocal in their response. On a prominent political talk show, a guest remarked, “All these accusations against Durov sound absurd. Accusing him of all the crimes that are committed on his platform is like accusing [France’s] President Macron of all the crimes that happen in France. It’s the same logic.”

Several Russian newspapers have highlighted the potential repercussions of Durov’s arrest. Nezavisimaya Gazeta warned that the arrest could have dire consequences for Russia, suggesting that Western intelligence might gain access to Telegram’s encryption keys. Moskovsky Komsomolets echoed these concerns, arguing that if Durov were coerced by French authorities, Telegram could become a tool for NATO, jeopardizing sensitive information.

Telegram, which faced a ban in Russia from April 2018 until its lift in 2020, remains a critical communication tool for Russian officials and military personnel involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The potential disruption of this service raises concerns about its impact on operational communications.

In the West, Durov’s detention has sparked a broader debate about freedom of speech and the role of tech platforms in global politics. Tatyana Moskalkova, Russia’s presidential human rights ombudsman, suggested that the true motive behind the arrest might be to suppress Telegram, a platform known for its free speech advocacy.

Adding another layer to the intrigue are rumors of a potential meeting between Durov and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Baku earlier this month. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has denied these reports, further fueling speculation and uncertainty.

As the situation unfolds, Moscow is expected to leverage the arrest to reinforce its narrative of caution towards Western influence. As Komsomolskaya Pravda aptly noted, “For the West, there is no such thing anymore as ‘good Russians’.”

For ongoing updates and in-depth analysis, visit Nezavisimaya Gazeta and Moskovsky Komsomolets.

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