Russia’s top internet regulator suspects that the US is behind the arrest of Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov. The arrest, which took place at a French airport on August 24, has raised fears that Washington may be targeting the cryptocurrency TON.
Durov, who holds dual citizenship of France and the United Arab Emirates, was arrested at Bourget Airport near Paris after arriving from Iran on his private jet. The arrest is reportedly linked to an investigation into whether Telegram’s content moderation facilitated crimes such as human trafficking. Although no official charges have been filed against Durov, the investigation is focusing on Telegram’s moderation practices.
Ekaterina Mizulina, head of the Safe Internet League (a pro-government organization), said on Telegram that Durov’s arrest was likely requested by the United States.
The translation of her message read: “The arrest of Pavel Durov did not come as a surprise to me. I have long believed that being outside Russia poses a great risk for Telegram owners; they could be arrested at any time. Similar situations have occurred before at the request of the United States.”
Telegram has strongly denied the abuse allegations following Durov’s arrest in Paris. The company said it complies with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act, and rejected allegations that Durov or the platform was responsible for user abuse, calling the accusations “absurd.”
Following Durov’s arrest, the value of Telegram-linked Toncoin fell 17.7% and continued its decline on Monday. French authorities extended Durov’s detention, signaling a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, the Russian embassy in Paris has demanded an explanation from French authorities and insisted on protecting Durov’s rights and providing consular access.
Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after clashing with the government over control and censorship of his former social media platform VK, believes Telegram should remain neutral and not get involved in geopolitics. Despite the ongoing investigation, Durov has not publicly confirmed whether he has renounced his Russian citizenship.
