France explains its reasons, while Russia accuses the US of "orchestrating" the whole thing.

The CEO of messaging app Telegram has been arrested in France for investigation into 12 criminal charges, while Russia alleges US involvement.

The arrest of Telegram founder and billionaire Pavel Durov. (Source: Reuters)

On August 24, billionaire Pavel Durov, a Russian national who also holds French, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saint Kitts and Nevis (a Caribbean nation) citizenship, was arrested in France for preliminary police investigation.

According to Xinhua news agency, on August 27, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced that France had arrested Telegram CEO Pavel Durov for investigation into 12 criminal charges.

She stated that the arrest took place as part of a judicial investigation that began on July 8th, following an investigation initiated by the cybercrime unit of the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office.

This investigation involves allegations of illegal transactions, possession or provision of child pornography… In addition, French police are also investigating the refusal to provide necessary information or documents when requested by competent authorities for the purpose of conducting lawful surveillance activities.

According to Ms. Beccuau, Mr. Durov's detention could last up to 96 hours starting August 24th, under the procedure applied to organized crime. Once the initial questioning period is over, Mr. Durov may be released or charged and remain in custody.

Earlier that day, French President Emmanuel Macron denied that the arrest of founder Durov was politically motivated, emphasizing that the verdict in the case rested with the investigating judges.

Meanwhile, on August 26, on the Telegram app, Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the Russian State Duma (Lower House of Parliament), claimed that the US was behind the arrests.

Although he offered no evidence, Volodin claimed that the US, through France, had attempted to control Telegram.

The official said: "Telegram is one of the few, and at the same time the largest, internet platforms over which the U.S. has no influence. Ahead of the U.S. presidential election, it is crucial that President Joe Biden regains control of Telegram."

France and the United States have not commented on the allegations made by the Russian lawmaker.

With nearly 1 billion users, Telegram is a particularly influential app in Russia and other former Soviet Union countries.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/vu-bat-giu-nha-sang-lap-telegram-phap-neu-ly-do-nga-to-my-dao-dien-284052.html