Baffling Pavel Durov: Telegram Founder ‘Confused’ by France Arrest and Crypto Charges

In a recent interview with Tucker Carlson, Pavel Durov, the enigmatic figure behind the global messaging giant Telegram, opened up about a perplexing incident: his arrest and detention in France last August. The interview, Durov’s first since facing a serious indictment, sheds light on the bewildering circumstances surrounding the event and the charges, some of which touch upon crypto regulation.

Understanding the France Arrest and Detention

The incident occurred on August 24, 2024, at Bourget Airport near Paris. Pavel Durov described the experience as confusing, noting that French authorities seemed primarily interested in the operational mechanics of Telegram, which struck him as odd for a company of its scale and transparency.

Durov highlighted Telegram’s extensive efforts to operate legally across nearly 200 countries:

• Audited by a Big Four accounting firm.
• Collaboration with major financial institutions.
• Millions of dollars spent quarterly on legal compliance.

Given this background, he stated, the France arrest felt particularly baffling. He was under the impression that Telegram had done nothing wrong, especially regarding interactions with French authorities.

Navigating Crypto Regulation and Legal Challenges

French prosecutors indicted Durov on six charges following his detention. These included alleged complicity in criminal activity, failure to respond to authorities, money laundering, criminal association, providing crypto services without proper declaration, and involvement in spreading illicit content.

When pressed by Carlson about the charges, Durov reiterated his confusion. He specifically addressed the claim of failing to respond to legal requests, stating it was untrue. He also found the interpretation of “complicity” by the French legal system to be “very extensive.”

The charge related to providing crypto services without proper declaration is particularly relevant to the digital asset space. While Telegram’s primary focus is messaging, its historical connection to the TON (The Open Network) project and the use of crypto within its ecosystem (like TON Coin) means such charges resonate within the crypto community.

Durov maintains that once he understood the specifics, he realized Telegram had not violated laws, suggesting authorities might not have followed due process in their requests.

Pavel Durov Speaks Out on Telegram’s Position

The interview with Tucker Carlson provided Telegram founder Durov a platform to share his perspective publicly for the first time since the indictment. He described the detention and the subsequent legal process as confusing, especially considering Telegram’s size and compliance efforts.

His lawyers reportedly called the detainment “unprecedented,” underscoring the unusual nature of the situation for a figure of Durov’s stature and a company like Telegram.

Durov confirmed he remains in France under “judicial control” due to the ongoing investigation, indicating the legal challenges are far from over.

The Tucker Carlson Perspective and Public Reaction

Tucker Carlson openly criticized the manner of the arrest, suggesting it was intended to humiliate Durov. Durov agreed, noting the unusual public nature of the prosecutor’s statements, contrasting with typical procedures.

While Carlson questioned the silence of civil liberties advocates, the crypto community, particularly those involved with TON, rallied in support. The TON Society reported that over 9 million Telegram users signed an open letter calling for Durov’s release, demonstrating significant public backing.

This outpouring of support highlights the platform’s global reach and the loyalty it commands, partly due to its strong stance on free speech.

The Future for Telegram Founder Pavel Durov

Despite the legal pressures stemming from the France arrest, Telegram continues its rapid growth. The platform reached one billion monthly active users as of March, cementing its status as a major global communication tool.

Durov had previously stated Telegram’s willingness to exit countries that impose restrictions incompatible with its commitment to free expression. While his current situation involves judicial control in France, his past actions and statements suggest a resolve to protect the platform’s core principles.

The ongoing investigation and the charges, including those related to crypto regulation, will likely continue to be a point of focus for both Telegram and the broader crypto community.

Summary: Pavel Durov’s interview with Tucker Carlson revealed his deep confusion regarding his August 2024 arrest and detention in France. Facing charges including those related to crypto services, the Telegram founder maintains his company followed legal procedures and that the interpretation of complicity is unusually broad. Despite the ongoing legal situation and being under judicial control, Durov stands by Telegram’s compliance efforts. The incident, described as unprecedented by his lawyers, sparked significant support from Telegram users, highlighting the platform’s influence and the complexities of operating a global, privacy-focused service in the face of diverse national regulations.