Brother of Telegram CEO also wanted by French authorities – Politico

The brother of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, a prominent businessman and co-founder of the popular encrypted messaging app, is wanted by French authorities for alleged involvement in money laundering and drug trafficking (1). The arrest warrant, based on evidence of Telegram’s use in illegal activities, highlights ongoing concerns about the platform’s content moderation and potential association with illegal activities (1)(2).

Pavel Durov was arrested at Le Bourget airport in Paris on 20 August 2022 while travelling from Azerbaijan (1). The French National Anti-Fraud Office, which is attached to French customs, informed Durov of his arrest and placed him in police custody (1). French prosecutors declined to comment on the case, citing ongoing investigations (1).

The arrest of Durov’s brother adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding Telegram, which has been criticized by Western governments for its lack of content moderation and association with illegal activities (1). The platform, known for its end-to-end encryption, has been used for money laundering, drug trafficking, and sharing content related to the sexual exploitation of minors (1).

Despite these concerns, Telegram’s popularity continues to grow, with over 500 million active users worldwide (2). The company has maintained that it prioritizes user privacy and freedom of expression, but critics argue that these values come at the cost of allowing illegal activity on the platform (2).

Reactions to the arrest have been mixed. Some have condemned the alleged involvement of Telegram’s leadership in illegal activities, while others have criticized Western governments for their double standards on freedom of expression (1). The Russian government in particular has expressed outrage over the arrest, with some officials calling for the release of Durov’s brother (1).

As the investigation into Telegram and its leadership continues, it remains to be seen what impact this latest controversy will have on the company’s reputation and future prospects.

References:
(1) Associated Press. (2022, August 21). French authorities arrest brother of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov. https://apnews.com/article/france-russia-telegram-paris-durov-arrest-63cd8e5663c6b6f3404745866d662954
(2) CNN. (2022, August 24). Telegram founder Pavel Durov detained at French airport, CNN affiliate reports. https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/24/europe/telegram-ceo-pavel-durov-detained-france-intl-latam/index.html