The United Arab Emirates mentioned Monday it’s intently monitoring developments of Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov following his arrest by French authorities on Saturday.
The UAE’s Ministry of International Affairs mentioned it has “submitted a request to the French authorities to urgently present him with all consular providers,” in keeping with an announcement.
“Caring for residents, preserving their pursuits, and offering them with all essential help are prime priorities for the UAE,” the ministry mentioned.
Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur and Emirati citizen was detained on Saturday at Paris-Le Bourget Airport as a part of a judicial investigation initiated final month.
The inquiry into Durov includes 12 alleged felony violations related to the messaging app Telegram, the Paris prosecutor’s workplace revealed Monday.
These fees embrace complicity in facilitating unlawful transactions, refusal to cooperate with legislation enforcement, involvement in little one pornography and narcotics distribution, organized fraud, cash laundering, and the illegal provision of cryptographic instruments.
Durov, who holds citizenship in France, Russia, the UAE, and St. Kitts and Nevis, was arrested by French authorities whereas stepping off his non-public jet exterior of Paris on Saturday night.
The transfer outraged the crypto neighborhood and privateness advocates, together with Edward Snowden, the previous NSA contractor who was convicted of leaking categorized data.
In response to the backlash, French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned Monday that Durov’s detainment was not politically motivated and that his nation was “deeply dedicated to freedom of expression and communication.”
Earlier within the week, Telegram responded to the arrest, claiming that its CEO had “nothing to cover” and that it was “absurd to say {that a} platform or its proprietor are liable for abuse of that platform.”
A French investigative decide prolonged Durov’s detention on Sunday evening, however by Monday afternoon, no fees had been introduced.
Durov might be detained for questioning for as much as 4 days below French legislation, after which judges should determine whether or not to cost or let him go.
Telegram’s person base surpassed 950 million in July, in keeping with Durov, pushed by a surge in customers linked to the recognition of crypto-based video games accessible by means of built-in “mini-apps” on the platform.
Hamster Kombat, the most well-liked amongst them, has reportedly attracted over 300 million gamers in latest months, forward of its upcoming token launch and airdrop.
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