Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Under Judicial Supervision After Release From French Custody

Updated: 29 August 2024

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Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has been released from custody after being charged by French authorities and is now under judicial supervision.

French prosecutors said that Durov was indicted with criminal charges linked to his role at the messaging app, according to a Bloomberg report. Following a court appearance, Durov has been barred from leaving France. He was also required to post 5 million euros in bail to be released from custody.

Pavel Durov Accused Of Facilitating Illicit Activities On Telegram

Police transported Durov to court after he was detained at a North Paris airport on Aug. 24. After the Telegram founder was arrested, prosecutors said Durov was taken into custody as part of a judicial investigation.

Charges against Durov included refusal to communicate to authorities, complicity with illegal activities, criminal association, money laundering and providing cryptology services without prior declaration.

Durov allegedly helped spread child pornography and facilitated illicit activities through Telegram, according to French prosecutors.

French authorities have been criticized for taking Durov into custody, which many see as an attack on the freedom of expression. Supporters of the Telegram CEO, including Edward Snowden, have shared their take on the matter.

The arrest of @Durov is an assault on the basic human rights of speech and association. I am surprised and deeply saddened that Macron has descended to the level of taking hostages as a means for gaining access to private communications. It lowers not only France, but the world.

— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) August 25, 2024

In an Aug. 25 X post, Snowden called Durov’s arrest “an assault on the basic human rights of speech and association.” He added that he is surprised and deeply saddened that Emmanuel Macron is “taking hostages as a means for gaining access to private communications.”

TON Meme Coins Pump 20% After Durov’s Release

Following the release of Durov from French police custody, the combined market cap for meme coins on the TON blockchain surged more than 20% in the last 24 hours.

Dogs (DOGS), Ton Cat (TCAT) and Tonny (TONNY) were among the biggest gainers through the past trading session. TONNY led the charge after soaring 87%. Meanwhile, TCAT and DOGS saw their prices rise 47% and 22%, respectively.