Key Takeaways:
- Confirmed Arrest: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France on multiple serious charges, including terrorism and fraud.
- Toncoin (TON) Drop: Following the arrest, Toncoin (TON) dropped over 10% in value.
- Free Speech Concerns: Prominent figures are concerned about the arrest’s implications for free speech.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France on multiple serious charges, including terrorism, trafficking, conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering.
Durov was detained at Le Bourget Airport near Paris upon arrival from Azerbaijan, with the arrest warrant reportedly only enforceable on French soil.
🚨🇷🇺🇫🇷 FREE TELEGRAM’S PAVEL DUROV! @EmmanuelMacron pic.twitter.com/KZlcREPnRQ
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) August 25, 2024
This has led to a sharp decline in the value of the cryptocurrency Toncoin (TON), associated with Telegram, dropping over 10% in value.
High-profile figures, including Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson, voiced concerns over the arrest, suggesting it targets Durov’s commitment to free speech.
Pavel Durov left Russia when the government tried to control his social media company, Telegram. But in the end, it wasn’t Putin who arrested him for allowing the public to exercise free speech. It was a western country, a Biden administration ally and enthusiastic NATO member,… https://t.co/F83E9GbNHC
— Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) August 24, 2024
The Open Network (TON) released a statement reaffirming its support for Durov and emphasizing the community’s commitment to freedom of speech and decentralization.