Key Points
- The official TON Project X account has supported Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, following reports of his arrest in France, emphasizing their commitment to freedom of speech and decentralization.
- Durov’s reported arrest at Le Bourget airport near Paris on multiple charges has led to a 12% drop in TON coin value, highlighting the close tie between his public image and the blockchain project’s perceived value.
TON Project Stands United
In the wake of recent news regarding the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov, the official TON (The Open Network) Project has quickly rallied to express its unwavering support. In a statement released on its X account, the project reassured supporters and stakeholders of its continued commitment to its mission.
“As a community committed to freedom of speech and decentralization, we stand firmly by Pavel during this challenging time,” the statement read. The TON Project emphasized Durov’s role as a “dedicated advocate” for these values, noting that his efforts to promote an open and decentralized internet “will continue to inspire millions.”
Reported Arrest Details
According to French news outlet TF1, Pavel Durov, the 39-year-old Franco-Russian entrepreneur, was reportedly arrested on Saturday evening at Le Bourget airport near Paris. The arrest, executed by the Air Transport Gendarmerie (GTA), was based on a French search warrant issued by OFMIN, a unit of the National Directorate of the French Judicial Police.
Durov reportedly faces potential charges, including terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering, and complicity in child-criminal offenses. These charges allegedly relate to Telegram’s lack of content moderation and insufficient cooperation with law enforcement.
Market Reaction and Project Response
The cryptocurrency market reacted swiftly to the news of Durov’s reported arrest. Within an hour of the information becoming public, the TON coin experienced a significant drop of 12% in value, underscoring the close tie between Durov’s public image and the perceived value of his blockchain project.
Despite this market turbulence, the official TON Project remains resolute. Their statement emphasized, “The TON community remains strong and fully operational.” They encouraged supporters to “stay calm, united, and to keep building” as they navigate the situation together.
As the situation continues to develop, the tech industry, Telegram users, and the crypto community will closely watch for further updates and potential impacts on Telegram and TON’s futures. The TON Project’s swift and unified response demonstrates their commitment to the decentralization and free speech principles that have been central to Durov’s vision.
The official X account concluded their statement: “We encourage everyone to stay calm, united, and to keep building as we navigate this situation together. Thank you for your continued support.” This message underscores the project’s determination to maintain momentum and unity in the face of uncertainty surrounding Durov’s reported legal situation.
