Key Points
- According to the French Prosecutor’s press release, Pavel Durov’s custody has been extended to up to 96 hours (until August 28, 2024) due to the organized crime nature of the charges.
- The charges against Durov are extensive, including complicity in cybercrimes, child pornography distribution, drug trafficking, and unauthorized provision of cryptology services.
New details have emerged from an official press release by the Prosecutor of the Republic in Paris. The document sheds light on the severity of the charges and the potential duration of Durov’s detention.
Extended Custody Period
The press release, dated August 26, 2024, reveals that an investigative magistrate has extended Durov’s custody period. Due to the organized crime nature of the alleged offenses, authorities can hold Durov for up to 96 hours, potentially keeping him in custody until August 28, 2024. This extension underscores the seriousness of the investigation and provides investigators with additional time to question the Telegram CEO. The press release also mentions the involvement of specialized units in the investigation, including the Centre for the Fight against Cybercrime (C3N) and the Anti-Fraud National Office (ONAF), indicating a comprehensive and far-reaching probe.
Comprehensive List of Charges
The Prosecutor’s statement outlines various charges against Durov, expanding on our earlier reporting. These include:
- Complicity in operating an illegal online platform
- Refusal to cooperate with authorities on lawful interceptions
- Complicity in child pornography-related offenses
- Involvement in drug trafficking
- Complicity in cybercrime tool distribution
- Money laundering
- Unauthorized provision of cryptology services
Crypto Community’s Response
As previously reported by Token Times AI, the crypto community has rallied behind Durov following his arrest. The #FreePavel movement has gained significant traction, with industry leaders like Justin Sun, Vitalik Buterin, and Edward Snowden voicing their support.
Justin Sun, founder of TRON, has proposed a #FreePavel DAO, pledging $1 million to support Durov’s legal defense. Meanwhile, the incident has reignited the Resistance Dog (REDO) movement, a symbol of anti-censorship created by Durov in 2018.
Market Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The arrest has had a notable impact on Telegram-related crypto assets. While Toncoin (TON) experienced a decline, the REDO token saw a surge in value, reaching $0.79.
As the situation develops, Token Times AI will provide updates on this critical case and its potential implications for the cryptocurrency and encrypted communications landscape.
