Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Arrested: Toncoin and Notcoin Crashed -20%

Pavel Durov, the Russian-French billionaire and founder of Telegram, was detained at Bourget Airport near Paris on Saturday evening. The arrest, which took place as Durov was traveling on his private jet, has drawn significant attention due to the ongoing investigation into Telegram's moderation policies.

Arrest at Bourget Airport, France

On a quiet Saturday evening, Pavel Durov found himself at the center of a legal storm as French authorities arrested him at Bourget Airport. The arrest was reportedly carried out under an existing warrant issued in France, linked to a preliminary investigation. This investigation is believed to focus on Telegram's alleged failure to provide adequate moderation on its platform, a situation that authorities fear may have facilitated criminal activities.

Investigation into Telegram's Moderation Practices

French media outlets, including TF1 and BFM TV, have reported that the investigation centers on Telegram's moderation—or lack thereof. The encrypted messaging app, which boasts nearly one billion users, has been criticized for allowing content to spread unchecked, potentially aiding illegal activities. The lack of sufficient oversight on the platform has raised concerns among law enforcement, leading to Durov's current legal troubles.

Pavel Valeryevich Durov, Telegram Founder

Possible Indictment Looming

As the investigation progresses, Durov faces the possibility of indictment. The French legal system may take swift action, with developments expected as early as Sunday. The arrest has not only put Durov in a precarious legal position but has also cast a spotlight on the operational practices of Telegram, particularly in regions like Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states where the app holds significant influence.

Impact on Toncoin and Market Reactions

The ripple effects of Durov's arrest were immediately felt in the cryptocurrency market. Toncoin, a cryptocurrency associated with Telegram, saw its value plummet by 20%, reaching a low of $5.6. Despite the broader crypto market showing gains, uncertainty surrounding Durov's situation led to a massive sell-off. Additionally, the in-app wallet on Telegram experienced significant liquidations in USDT, TON, and NOT tokens. The NOT token also suffered a steep decline, dropping by 21%.

TON/USD 1-day chart - TradingView

As of now, Telegram has not issued any official statement regarding Durov's arrest or the ongoing investigation. Similarly, both the French Interior Ministry and police have refrained from commenting on the situation, leaving the public and investors in a state of suspense.