Pavel Durov Suspected of 12 Crimes

“Novaya Gazeta Europe” has obtained access to a press release from the French prosecutor's office, highlighting several of the alleged offenses:

• Complicity in administering an online platform for conducting illegal transactions by organized groups.
• Refusal to provide law enforcement agencies with information or documents required for investigation and prosecution.
• Complicity in storing child pornography.
• Complicity in drug distribution.
• Complicity in cybercrimes.
• Complicity in fraud committed by organized criminal groups.

TASS, a Russian news agency, reports that the investigation against Pavel Durov began on July 8. According to the agency's information, the entrepreneur may remain in custody until August 28 unless formal accusations follow.

Emmanuel Macron was the first from the entire French government to issue an official statement, emphasizing the independence of the judiciary system and stressing that Pavel Durov's arrest is not politically motivated but is in accordance with the legal framework protecting citizens' rights.

In response to a request from RIA Novosti, the European Commission said they are monitoring the situation and are ready to cooperate with French authorities. The United Nations does not yet have sufficient information. Previously, in response to an inquiry from TASS news agency, the European Commission declined to comment: “This is a national investigation, we do not intend to comment on it, you should refer to the French authorities.”

UPD. 18:00 UTC
We have updated our wording to better express the fact Durov wasn't accused or convicted yet — as we said, prosecutors have a limited timeframe in which they can keep Durov under arrest to question him.

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