As a seasoned researcher with years of experience in the digital realm, I find myself intrigued by this complex case involving Pavel Durov and Telegram. The arrest warrant issued back in March for charges including child pornography possession and distribution is indeed troubling, but the current focus on an unspecified person raises further questions about the direction of this investigation.
As a researcher delving into the matter, I’m uncovering details about the ongoing investigation not solely focused on Telegram founder Pavel Durov, but rather encompassing “unidentified individuals” within this context. To expand on this, it appears that there are additional aspects to this case that are yet to be fully disclosed.
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In a court appearance, it’s uncertain if Durov will face charges due to the possibility that the initial 12 accusations might not be applicable. As reported by Reuters, the prosecutor’s office hasn’t specified the alleged crime Durov is under suspicion for. The statement also mentions an anonymous individual in this context.
“The overall investigation is at this stage directed against unspecified people.”
On August 28th, it falls to French judges to determine whether to grant release to the founder of Telegram or initiate an formal inquiry. Important to note, launching an investigation doesn’t automatically suggest guilt and may not lead directly to a trial. In fact, such investigations can take years before reaching court proceedings.
If Durov, currently in police custody following his arrest, is moved forward to a formal investigation, judges may additionally decide if they should keep him in pre-trial confinement. One factor they might evaluate is the possibility that he could attempt to evade justice.
Within four days, the court has two options: either free the businessman or accuse him of wrongdoing. If charges are filed, a Parisian attorney, speaking to The Financial Times, proposed that Durov might instead face house arrest or be required to provide a written promise not to leave the premises.
Based on news accounts, a French court has issued arrest warrants for Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai, alleging crimes such as conspiring to possess and disseminate child pornography. As reported by Politico, at present, Nikolai is being sought in France.
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Currently, a bot on Telegram is gathering signatures for the freedom of Durov, whom they believe should not be imprisoned due to his role as the messenger’s creator.
“We vigorously oppose the detention of Mr. Pavel Durov by French officials, which we view as a clear infringement upon the freedoms of speech and personal privacy.”
The report also says many famous people, including Elon Musk and Vitalik Buterin.
Special operations of France and the UAE to open Durov’s iPhone
Currently, there’s a lot of chatter in the French media about the idea that President Emmanuel Macron had invited Pavel Durov for dinner in Paris, which is believed to be the reason behind Durov’s visit. This discussion revolves around the incident on the day when Durov was arrested.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, France’s intelligence units, along with those of the United Arab Emirates, executed a covert operation dubbed “Purple Music” in 2017, which involved them hacking into the iPhone belonging to the creator of Telegram, Durov.
This action was initiated due to apprehensions expressed by French officials, who suspected that Telegram might have been employed for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, cybercrimes, and even for the recruitment of new followers by ISIS militants.
In 2018, Durov had a private dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron and was presented with an opportunity to relocate Telegram’s main office to Paris, but he declined the offer.
Macron turned out to be a Telegram lover
Based on media accounts, Macron, who personally utilizes Telegram, stated that Durov’s detention had nothing to do with politics. Instead, it was connected to an ongoing inquiry, and the court is responsible for handling the case.
“During his initial presidential run, Macron began using Telegram, and this practice continues to the present day. Throughout almost a decade, various government officials at all levels, including those from different political parties, continue to utilize this app extensively. Notably, it’s particularly popular among pro-Macron groups.”
What will happen to TON after Durov’s arrest?
Toncoin, utilized for transactions inside Telegram, experienced a decline nearly approaching 20% upon hearing the news about Durov’s arrest.
Despite the arrest of the messenger’s founder, investors are still interested in TON-based tokens, for example, the DOGS token was listed on Aug. 26.
Additionally, Telegram is likewise creating a gaming ecosystem based on the TON blockchain. Noteworthy games within this ecosystem include Notcoin and Hamster Kombat, both of which have previously released #FreeDurov cards.
Anonymous crypto analysts also believe that TON’s decline was temporary.
As Mini App gains traction within Telegram, it’s expected that the TON ecosystem will keep expanding, given its undeniable value for the crypto community. Durov’s arrest might serve as a significant precedent, rallying cryptocurrency enthusiasts globally to back TON. Nevertheless, at this point, there are no indications of a rebound; TON is currently priced at $5.45.
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2024-08-28 17:02