Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has reportedly been charged with 12 crimes in France, including financial and cybercrimes, following his arrest last weekend.

Impact on Toncoin

Toncoin (TON), the native cryptocurrency of Telegram-endorsed The Open Network, saw a decline of up to 5% following news of Durov’s indictment by French authorities. According to recent price data, TON traded below $5.59, marking a 32% decrease from its all-time high set in June.

Details of the Charges

Following Durov’s arrest at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, authorities released a list of 12 charges. These charges included three crypto-related offenses: providing illegal cryptology services for confidentiality, providing a cryptology tool without prior declaration, and importing cryptology tools without prior declaration.

The charges are likely connected to TON, a blockchain network integrated with Telegram’s private messaging app. Additionally, the unnamed individual was charged with money laundering, criminal complicity, and refusal to cooperate with law enforcement.

Reports indicate that Telegram’s founder may remain in custody until August 28 as investigations continue. If tried and convicted on these charges, the founder could face up to 20 years in prison. As of now, the charges against Durov remain unconfirmed as the story continues to develop.

Community Reaction

Since Durov’s arrest, billionaires and pro-crypto voices have criticized the move as an assault against personal privacy in Europe. Figures like Elon Musk and Justin Sun have amplified public support for freeing Durov and ending the investigation into Telegram.

“They are throwing the book at Durov as complicit in every bad behavior users conducted over Telegram. Unless he was somehow involved in fraud, pornography of a minor, drugs, and gang activity – every internet company CEO is guilty of the same thing by this logic.”

The backlash from social media communities only increased after Durov’s supposed charges were disclosed. The consensus among outraged observers argued that the logic behind Durov’s rumored crimes made little sense and could be applied to several other founders.

Future of TON on Telegram

While Durov has garnered significant support, the legal challenges he faces raise questions about the future of TON on Telegram. TON’s success is closely tied to its integration with Telegram and the platform’s 900 million users. This legal threat could pose a significant challenge for The Open Network.

However, if Durov emerges victorious, it could lead to greater adoption of TON and signal a crucial victory for crypto and decentralized privacy initiatives.

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