Diaspora

International Attention On Pavel Durov: Telegram’s Founder Arrested In Paris Facing Severe Criminal Charges

Published

1 year ago

August 27, 2024

admin

Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the messaging service, Telegram, was arrested as he disembarked his private jet on the tarmac at Le Bourget airport, Paris, the French channel TF1 reported on Saturday.

OFMIN, a part of the national directorate of the French judicial police, had placed an arrest warrant on Durov, a French-Russian dual national, due to lack of cooperation with law enforcement and suspected complicity in drug trafficking, pedo criminal offenses, and fraud, according to TF1.

Durov, 39, was said to have been arrested at 8pm French time, having flown in from Azerbaijan. The warrant on Durov was only valid if he was on French soil. As a result, TF1 reported that Durov traveled via the UAE, former Soviet countries and South America to avoid arrest in Europe. He also reportedly avoided traveling through countries where Telegram is under surveillance.

“He made a big mistake this evening,” a source close to the investigation told TF1. “We don’t know why… Was this flight just a stopover? In any case, he’s in custody.”

TF1 said that investigators from France’s anti-fraud directorate placed Durov in custody, and the CEO will appear before a judge on Saturday night before a possible indictment on Sunday. The alleged offenses include: terrorism, narcotic supply, fraud, money laundering, receiving stolen goods and others.

TF1 claimed the businessman could face up to 20 years in prison.

Pavel Durov will end up in pretrial detention, that’s for sure,” the source told TF1/LCI.

“On [Telegram], he allowed an incalculable number of offenses and crimes to be committed, which he did nothing to moderate.”

The Russian Foreign Ministry said that the Russian Embassy in France has taken the necessary steps to clarify the situation surrounding Durov, TASS reported.

Vladislav Davankov, Deputy Chair in the State Duma of Russia, spoke to Russian Foreign Ministry Sergei Lavrov requesting Durov’s release.

Russia’s representative to international organisations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, tweeted “Some naive persons still don’t understand that if they play more or less visible role in international information space it is not safe for them to visit countries which move towards much more totalitarian societies.”

Tucker Carlson, the American commentator, tweeted that Durov was arrested for trying “to exercise free speech.”

“Pavel Durov sits in a French jail tonight, a living warning to any platform owner who refuses to censor the truth at the behest of governments and intel agencies. Darkness is descending fast on the formerly free world.”

Telegram, based in Dubai, was founded by Russian-born Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after he refused to comply with demands to shut down opposition communities on his VK social media platform, which he sold.

Diaspora

Diaspora Watch Vol. 63

Published

3 weeks ago

September 26, 2025

dwadmin

Diaspora Watch Unveils 63rd Edition: A Global Mirror of Power, Politics and People

Diaspora Watch Vol. 63 FREE Digital View: https://diasporawatch.com/3d-flip-book/diaspora-watch-vol-63/

On Demand Print: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3172875?__r=1069759

Subscribe to Diaspora Watch Now on the link below!!!
https://diasporawatch.com/subscribe-to-diaspora-watch-newspaper/

The 63rd edition of Diaspora Watch Newspapers has hit the stands this week, bringing readers a compelling mix of global power plays, continental shifts, economic pursuits and cultural flashpoints.

From New York to Niamey, London to Lagos, the edition offers a panoramic view of unfolding events shaping the world and Africa’s place within it.

On the cover, U.S. politics takes centre stage as President Donald Trump, addressing the United Nations, boldly declares: “No President Has Done What I’ve Done.” In a dramatic twist on African geopolitics, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger jointly announce their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, condemning it as a “neo-colonial tool.”

Kenya’s President turns to America’s corporate giants, assuring investors of stability in a pitch to attract capital inflows. Nigeria equally seizes the moment, with the NNPC outlining ambitious upstream oil and gas expansion plans targeting $60 billion in investment. Across the Caribbean, CARICOM leaders rally at the UNGA 80, pressing hard for climate justice and a development agenda that cannot be ignored.

Europe is not left out of the storm: the Welsh First Minister pointedly shuns Trump’s banquet, fueling political ripples back home, while in Africa, Cameroon’s political dynasty faces unusual pressure as President Biya’s daughter openly calls on citizens to reject her father’s re-election bid. Elsewhere, Albania breaks new ground with the appointment of an AI “Minister” to combat corruption in public procurement — a move being hailed as futuristic governance.

On the health front, the World Health Organization issues a sobering warning, noting that slowing progress on non-communicable diseases and mental health is putting millions at risk globally.

Sports enthusiasts will find gripping drama on the back page, where Manchester United’s crisis-hit boss lays down the gauntlet with a blunt declaration: “My way or no way.”

Diaspora

Diaspora Watch Vol. 62

Published

3 weeks ago

September 26, 2025

dwadmin

Diaspora Watch 62nd Edition Is Here!

Diaspora Watch FREE Digital View: https://diasporawatch.com/3d-flip-book/diaspora-watch-vol-62/

On Demand Print: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3172869?__r=1069759

Subscribe to Diaspora Watch Now on the link below!!!
https://diasporawatch.com/subscribe-to-diaspora-watch-newspaper/

The 62nd edition of Diaspora Watch Newspapers is out, delivering a hard-hitting blend of global politics, African affairs, diplomacy, business, health, and culture, with stories that cut across continents and shape conversations.

Leading the cover is a riveting headline from London, where Donald Trump’s UK visit takes a dramatic turn as he sidesteps the brewing Mandelson–Epstein controversy, raising eyebrows in diplomatic and media circles alike.

In the Middle East, Saudi authorities have freed three Nigerian pilgrims detained over alleged drug trafficking, bringing relief to families back home. On the domestic front, Labour Party’s Peter Obi lambasts President Tinubu over plans for emergency rule in Rivers State, stoking fresh political debates.

The global economy also takes centre stage: the United Kingdom secures a massive £150 billion U.S. investment as Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Donald Trump strike a landmark tech deal. Meanwhile, South Sudan is plunged deeper into crisis as President Salva Kiir suspends his deputy, Riek Machar, and accuses him of treason.

In Asia, U.S.-China tensions flare once again as Beijing slams Nvidia with monopoly breach accusations, just as both nations resume sensitive trade talks. Public health makes headlines with the World Health Organization’s grim report of a 50% surge in global cholera deaths. From Europe, Spain introduces disaster preparedness lessons for children, a move hailed as a pioneering approach to climate resilience.

The Caribbean bloc, CARICOM, issues a firm condemnation of Israel’s strike on Qatar, insisting on respect for international law. In the energy sector, the United States oil industry struggles as job losses mount and companies slash spending amid sliding prices.

On the cultural front, Hollywood dazzles as Brad Pitt and The Studio emerge dominant at the 2025 Emmy Awards, sealing their place in entertainment history.

With fearless reportage and bold editorial framing, Diaspora Watch continues to provide the diaspora community with sharp insights and global perspectives, reinforcing its position as the voice of Africans abroad and a trusted lens on world affairs.

The 62nd edition is available now in print and digital formats.

Diaspora

Diaspora Watch Vol. 56

Published

3 months ago

August 4, 2025

admin

Global Economic Shifts Dominate Diaspora Watch’s 56th Edition

The 56th edition of Diaspora Watch is out, and it’s packed with insightful analysis on the latest global economic trends.

Diaspora Watch FREE Digital View: https://diasporawatch.com/3d-flip-book/diaspora-watch-vol-56/

SUBSCRIBE TO DIASPORA WATCH NOW ON THE BELOW LINK !!!
https://diasporawatch.com/subscribe-to-diaspora-watch-newspaper/

This issue shines a spotlight on the US sanctions targeting firms across Asia and the Middle East over their links to Iran’s oil industry, sparking a ripple effect in the global energy market.

Meanwhile, Africa is making a strategic pivot towards China, capitalizing on the Asian giant’s economic prowess amidst US tariffs. This shift is poised to redefine Africa’s economic landscape and open up new opportunities for growth and development.

In other news, the 2025 ACTIF conference brought together key stakeholders, including Amb. Tochil Nwaneri, as the Africa and Caribbean regions signed $290 million worth of deals. This landmark agreement is set to bolster economic ties between the two regions and drive progress.

Japanese investors are also taking notice of Africa’s growth story, eyeing opportunities to tap into the continent’s vast potential.

However, the US fertility rate has plummeted to 1.6 kids per woman, raising concerns about the country’s demographic future.

On the faith front, Bishop Ogunedo urged the faithful to maintain firm faith in the Lord Jesus, emphasizing the importance of spiritual resilience in these uncertain times.

This edition of Diaspora Watch also highlights the NNPC’s assurance of speedy delivery of the $2.8 billion AKK gas pipeline project, Guyana’s new official residence for the CARICOM Secretary-General, and Tinubu’s conferment of national honors on the Super Falcons.

Stay informed with Diaspora Watch’s 56th edition, your premier source for global news and analysis.

Stay connected with the world around you – read Diaspora Watch today!

Celebrating African excellence and spotlighting pressing global issues.
#DiasporaWatch #AfricaInFocus #GlobalNews #CulturalVoices #AfricanPerspective