Paris, France – The arrest of Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov in France over the weekend has sparked international controversy, with Russian State Duma Chairman claiming that the United States is behind the detention.
The Russian-born tech entrepreneur was taken into custody as part of an ongoing investigation involving allegations of child pornography, drug trafficking, and illegal transactions conducted through the encrypted messaging platform.
Volodin’s remarks come as tensions rise between Russia and the West, with Telegram serving as a critical communication tool in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In a statement issued earlier today, Volodin accused the United States of using France as a proxy to exert influence over Telegram, suggesting that the arrest was politically motivated.
“Telegram is one of the few major internet platforms not under US control,” Volodin said, further alleging that US President Joe Biden is seeking to manipulate Telegram in the run-up to the 2024 American presidential elections.
Volodin did not provide any concrete evidence to support his claims, and his accusations have been met with skepticism outside of Russia.
French authorities have denied any political involvement in Durov’s arrest, with President Emmanuel Macron stating that the investigation is purely judicial in nature.
“France upholds the rule of law, and this case is being handled through the proper legal channels,” Macron said in a brief press statement.
The White House has not yet responded to Volodin’s claims, while the Kremlin indicated that it has not yet reviewed the official French charges against Durov.
The arrest of Durov comes at a time when Telegram has become an essential platform in the dissemination of unfiltered information regarding the war in Ukraine.
With its encryption features and vast reach—boasting nearly one billion users worldwide—Telegram has been used by both Russian and Ukrainian officials to share updates, intelligence, and propaganda related to the ongoing conflict.
As a result, the platform has been described as a “virtual battlefield” in the information war between the two countries.
In Russia, Telegram has grown in importance as other social media platforms have faced restrictions and censorship. The platform’s perceived independence from US control has made it a vital tool for communication among opposition figures and activists.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine and other former Soviet states, Telegram has been widely adopted as a source of real-time information about the conflict, particularly in areas where traditional news outlets are unable to operate freely.
Despite its significance, Telegram has faced increasing scrutiny from authorities worldwide due to concerns over its potential use in illegal activities.
Critics argue that the platform’s strong encryption and minimal content moderation have made it a haven for criminal activities, including drug trafficking, child pornography, and the sale of illegal goods and services. These concerns have led to calls for greater regulation and oversight of the platform.
As the investigation into Durov’s alleged involvement in these activities continues, the international implications of his arrest remain unclear.
In Russia, the case has been framed as another example of Western interference in the country’s affairs, while in France and the US, officials are treating it as a matter of criminal justice. With the situation still developing, Durov’s fate—and the future of Telegram—remains uncertain.