Telegram Founder Pavel Durov's Arrest In France Sparks Reactions From Ethereum Creator Vitalik Buterin And Tron Founder Justin Sun

Aniket Verma

August 25, 2024

Prominent voices from the cryptocurrency space reacted to the arrest of the popular messaging app Telegram‘s CEO and founder Pavel Durov in France.

Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has expressed concern over the future of software and communication freedom in Europe, following recent developments involving Telegram.

What Happened: Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) co-founder Vitalik Buterin expressed concern over the future of software and communication freedom in Europe via an X post on Sunday.

Buterin said that he had been critical of Telegram’s encryption previously. Still, the charges brought by the authorities for being “unmoderated” and refusing to hand over user data made the issue appear “very bad.”

I've criticized Telegram before for not being serious with encryption.

But (given the info available so far: the charge seems to be just being "unmoderated" and not giving up people's data), this looks very bad and worrying for the future of software and comms freedom in Europe.
— vitalik.eth (@VitalikButerin) August 25, 2024

Another well-known blockchain entrepreneur, Justin Sun, also weighed in. The Tron (CRYPTO: TRX) founder proposed a decentralized funding initiative to help Durov in his legal struggles. Sun pledged to donate $1 million to the cause if it garnered sufficient community support.

We should show the cryptocurrency industry's unity by organizing a #FreePavel DAO to help Telegram founder Pavel Durov legally gain freedom. I'll donate $1 million if it's created in a decentralized way with enough community support. @elonmusk @MarioNawfal
— H.E. Justin Sun å™å®‡æ™¨(hiring) (@justinsuntron) August 25, 2024

Some users called out Sun’s proposal as a gimmick, saying that money was not the problem for Durov, whose net worth is estimated to be more than $15 billion.

See Also: Powell’s Rate Cut Signal Sparks Crypto Optimism: Experts Eye Potential Bitcoin Rally

Why It Matters: These responses came after Durov’s arrest shocked many in the corporate world and those advocating for free speech.

Durov, a Russian-French billionaire, was apprehended on Saturday evening while traveling on his private jet. The arrest is linked to an ongoing police investigation in France, which is reportedly focused on the lack of moderators on Telegram, allowing criminal activity to persist on the platform

Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who also runs social platform X, described the developments as “super messed up.”

Read Next:

Telegram CEO Arrest In France Sends Toncoin (TON) Plummeting By Over 20%: Elon Musk Calls For Freeing Pavel Durov

Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of Benzinga Neuro and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Photos courtesy: Shutterstock and Flickr

Recommended

Why Billionaires Are Stockpiling This "Boring" Token - Ad

The Cross-Chain Giant Set for 1,000%+ Gains - Ad

Why Institutions Are Backing This Copper-Nickel Play - Ad

Popular

Jury convicts New York-Paris flight stowaway who slipped past gate agents

NEW YORK (AP) — A jury on Thursday convicted a woman who sneaked onto a flight from New York to Paris without a boarding pass by slipping past security and airline gate agents at John F. Kennedy International Airport last year.

Palantir Stock Is Trading Higher Thursday: What's Going On?

Palantir Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:PLTR) shares are trading higher Thursday. The stock appears to be benefiting from an Army contact modification announced after the market close on Wednesday.

Biggest Dividend Payout in U.S. History: $1 Trillion up for Grabs!

Biggest Dividend Payout in U.S. History: $1 Trillion up for Grabs! - Ad

Trump just launched a $1 trillion National Investment Fund to replace income taxes and send direct payouts to Americans. You could claim up to $21,307--before the first public checks go out. This is historic. Act now to be first in line.

Billion dollar pizza? Bitcoin soars on key anniversary of crypto's growth

It’s not an official holiday – yet – but for many cryptocurrency enthusiasts “Bitcoin Pizza Day” is still special. Thursday marks the 15th anniversary of the first known use of cryptocurrency to buy real-world goods.

Here's a look at recent aircraft tragedies, mishaps and close calls

Multiple people were killed when a private jet Thursday morning, adding to the long list of aviation disasters this year.

You Can Take a Stake in Elon's xAI Before June 1st...

You Can Take a Stake in Elon's xAI Before June 1st... - Ad

Elon Musk's private AI firm xAI may have just leapfrogged ChatGPT and Google's Gemini--building what experts call the future of AI. For the first time, you can take a stake starting at $500.

Valuation Concerns Prompt DA Davidson To Lower Guidewire Rating, But Sees Promising Q3 Results

DA Davidson downgrades Guidewire Software from Buy to Neutral, with $226 price target. Expects strong Q3 results, revenue growth of 19% and $1.22B in cash.

Trump's big tax bill has passed the House. Here's what's inside it

WASHINGTON (AP) — House Republicans early Thursday took a major step forward on President Donald Trump’s agenda, approving a legislative package that combines tax breaks, spending cuts, border security funding and other priorities.

World Economic Forum: "Arguably the Most Exciting Human Discovery Since Fire"

World Economic Forum: "Arguably the Most Exciting Human Discovery Since Fire" - Ad

Sam Altman, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg are all investing vast sums of money into a radical technology. According to Bloomberg, this could become 10 times bigger than AI, quantum computing, electric vehicles, cryptocurrencies, and robotics combined. And one stock is at the center of it all.

Here's the late changes Republicans made to Trump's big bill

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans made several eleventh-hour changes to their massive as they tried to win over GOP holdouts and pass the bill through the House.

Cathie Wood Stands Firm on Bold $700,000 Bitcoin Prediction for Investors, Says 'Bull Case in the $1.5 Million Range'

In a recent reaffirmation of her bullish stance, ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood has once again predicted that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) will hit a minimum of $700,000 in the coming years.

High-Grade Copper Find Set to Surge - Institutions Moving In

High-Grade Copper Find Set to Surge - Institutions Moving In - Ad

Copper-nickel shortages are creating a rare setup. This junior mine developer with institutional backing has 68.9 million Inferred tonnes defined-and massive drilling underway.

Tesla Bull Gary Black Reaffirms Elon Musk's Company 'Best Positioned To Capitalize' On EVs And Autonomous Driving, But There's A Catch

Gary Black predicts Tesla will benefit from rising EV adoption and demand for self-driving cars, but thinks Austin Robotaxi launch is risky

Coinbase, Rigetti, Nvidia, Meta, And Tesla: Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

U.S. stock markets experienced a robust rally today, with the Nasdaq surging over 4% and the S&P 500 climbing by 3.26%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also saw a significant rise of 2.8%. These are the top stocks that gained the attention of retail traders and investors throughout the day:

Government Moves + Nvidia Deals = AI Infrastructure Tailwinds

Government Moves + Nvidia Deals = AI Infrastructure Tailwinds - Ad

From Trump's Stargate initiative to NVIDIA's $500B bet, AI infrastructure is now strategic. This company is positioned at the heart of the buildout.

India suspends flight operations from several airports as tensions flare with Pakistan

NEW DELHI (AP) — Airlines in India have suspended flight operations from more than two dozen airports across northern and western regions of the country amid with Pakistan.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other US tech leaders testify to Congress on AI competition with China

WASHINGTON (AP) — OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and executives from Microsoft and chipmaker Advanced Micro Devices testified on Capitol Hill about the biggest opportunities, risks and needs facing an industry which lawmakers and technologists agree could fundamentally transform global business, culture and geopolitics.

Elon Musk Drops Stunning Bombshell?

Elon Musk Drops Stunning Bombshell? - Ad

Behind closed doors, Musk revealed a game-changing breakthrough technology that could shake the tech world & crush major companies. Why is no one talking about it? Luckily, we had a man on the inside - watch now to see the details & how to profit!

New FDA Leadership Could Raise The Bar For Drug Approvals

A former critic of FDA and Pharma will now oversee the regulation of costly and complicated biologics like vaccines, gene therapies, and blood supply.

Stocks Slip As Gold Rebounds To $3,330, Bitcoin Holds $102,000: What's Driving Markets Friday?

Wall Street traded slightly lower by midday Friday, as investors adopted a wait-and-see stance ahead of a potential trade breakthrough, with high-stakes negotiations between U.S. officials—led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent—and Chinese authorities set to unfold over the weekend.

This Coin Could Surge Like Bitcoin Did Back in 2013...

This Coin Could Surge Like Bitcoin Did Back in 2013... - Ad

A new coin is emerging in the crypto world. And investing in it now could end up like Bitcoin or Ethereum during their first bull runs.

Is The False Breakout Strategy Worth Using On Crude Oil Futures?

The false breakout strategy takes advantage of fake breakouts, when price briefly breaches support or resistance, then sharply reverses.

Controllers briefly lost contact with Newark planes before wider flight disruptions

The long plaguing Newark's Liberty International Airport and spilling over to airports across the U.S. can be traced to a week ago when air traffic controllers temporarily lost communications with planes in the sky, according to the controllers union.

Major Copper-Nickel Discovery on the Move

Major Copper-Nickel Discovery on the Move - Ad

Copper is called the new oil, with prices hitting decade highs. One junior has two strategic copper-nickel assets already producing high-grade results. Institutions and strategic investors are all in.

Lyft Is Executing Well But Analysts Caution About Uber And Waymo Competition

Lyft stock rises on $1.45B revenue, $750M buyback plan. Needham reiterates hold, Goldman Sachs upgrades to buy with PT of $20. Strong growth despite competition.

No Cargo Vessels En Route From China To California For First Time Since Pandemic

For the first time since the COVID pandemic, zero cargo ships are on their way from China to the two primary ports in California.

No.1 Opportunity for 2025 [Take Action Now!]

No.1 Opportunity for 2025 [Take Action Now!] - Ad

Starlink's potential IPO Could Be the Biggest in History--Silicon Valley insider James Altucher has uncovered a way to profit BEFORE the IPO--with as little as $50. Musk's $180B giant is set to launch--will you miss out? Claim your spot before it's too late.

Trade Desk Turnaround: Analyst Sees Company Returning To 20% Growth After Impressive Earnings

TTD stock soars as company surpasses Q1 expectations and raises Q2 revenue outlook. Analysts also raise price forecasts and outlook for company.

The Trade Desk CEO Slams Google, Amazon's 'Walled Gardens': 'Imagine What We Can Do In A Fair Market'

Trade Desk CEO Jeff Green shares strong opinions regarding the closed platforms that he called "walled gardens" run by Google and Amazon.

This Could Be the Perfect Copper Play Right Now

This Could Be the Perfect Copper Play Right Now - Ad

Copper prices surge as global supply cracks. One junior mine developer controls 24.7M tonnes of high-grade copper-nickel (Inferred) at its flagship mine-backed by big money and aggressive drilling.

'Jackpot!' How French police freed a cryptocurrency hostage whose finger was severed for ransom

PARIS (AP) — Fearful that the kidnappers might sever another finger from their hostage or worse, the French police commander ordered his officers — with a radioed “Go” command — to raid the house where he suspected that the father of a wealthy cryptocurrency entrepreneur was being held.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Says Losing Access To China's Potential $50 Billion AI Market Would Be A 'Tremendous Loss'

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang warns that losing access to China's fast-growing $50 billion AI market due to U.S. chip restrictions would be a major blow to American innovation, jobs, and revenues, but says the company will stay agile and adapt.

Trump's Crypto Blueprint Unveils This Infrastructure Powerhouse

Trump's Crypto Blueprint Unveils This Infrastructure Powerhouse - Ad

One blockchain token sits at the heart of Washington's pro-crypto agenda. Institutions are loading up while it still trades at a discount. Here's how to get in for $3.

Trump's Qatar Plane A 'Reckless Disregard For National Security,' Says Jack Reed: 'Betrayl Of Trust' In Protecting US Sovereignty

Trump to accept Boeing 747-8 from Qatar as Air Force One, sparking backlash and ethical concerns among lawmakers and experts.

Tax the rich? Slash spending? Republicans wrestle with economic priorities in the Trump era

WASHINGTON (AP) — What, exactly, the stands for in terms of economic policy in the second is a question reaching an inflection point.

The AI Bottleneck Is Real-and One Firm Is Solving It

The AI Bottleneck Is Real-and One Firm Is Solving It - Ad

AI is scaling fast-but infrastructure is lagging. This firm isn't just aware of the problem, it's building the solution: servers, GPUs, and strategic AI deployments. NVIDIA noticed. Investors should too.

Long-Term Decline In Cereal Market Poses Structural Challenges For Kellogg, Analyst Says

J.P. Morgan analyst Ken Goldman rated WK Kellogg (NYSE:KLG) Neutral with a $19 price target after Q1 EPS of $0.20 missed estimates. Revenue fell short at $663M vs. $679.49M forecast. KLG cut its 2025 outlook, projecting a 2–3% drop in organic net sales and flat to lower EBITDA. Ongoing cereal category struggles, rising capex, and tariff risks justify a valuation discount, the analyst noted.

Cannes, the global Colosseum of film, readies for 78th edition with new challenges on the horizon

Nowhere is the border-crossing nature of cinema more evident than the , which kicks off Tuesday in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump’s vow to

Nvidia's Ecosystem May Have Found a New Rising Star

Nvidia's Ecosystem May Have Found a New Rising Star - Ad

This tiny company is already generating revenue by delivering real compute-$20M+ in deals. With access to NVIDIA's partner network, they're not just watching the AI boom-they're powering it.

Mark Zuckerberg Once Set Up A Facebook Account For Brooklyn Nine-Nine Star Andy Samberg, Then Personally Played Tech Support When Things Went A Bit Haywire

Andy Samberg once revealed that Mark Zuckerberg personally set up his private Facebook account and remains his only friend — a lighthearted story resurfacing as the Meta CEO turns 41 and reflects on a career marked by tech triumphs, public scrutiny, and a $1.6 trillion empire.

Trending Now

Democrats Urge GOP To Target Medicare Advantage 'Upcoding' Instead Of Medicaid Cuts, Calling Budget Plan A 'Man-Made Disaster'

Elon's Greatest Invention... Hidden in South Memphis? - Ad

Marjorie Taylor Greene 'Frustrated And Upset' With Team Trump, Attempted Assassination Of Scott Bessent, JD Vance Slams Jerome Powell And More: Top Political Updates

PLTR Stock Remains Long-Term Buy Despite Sky-High Valuation, Says Prime Capital's McGough—Joins Dan Ives In Predicting $1 Trillion Market Cap Amid AI Surge

'Held For Sale': Restaurant Brands International Moves Swiftly To Exit Burger King China, Citing Peak Complexity And Drag On Finances

Dave Ramsey Tells Woman Whose Boyfriend Thinks 401(k)s Are A Scam: 'Don't Marry This Guy, He Ain't Worth It,' Calling Him An 'Immature' Man Who Doesn't 'Want To Think About The Future'