• Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested in France over the weekend.
  • Bettors on Polymarket are putting money on him remaining in custody after the 96-hour deadline prescribed by courts, as there’s a growing belief he may be formally charged.

As a seasoned researcher with a knack for deciphering the intricacies of technology and its impact on society, I find myself drawn to this fascinating development involving Telegram CEO Pavel Durov. The arrest in France over the weekend, coupled with the betting market’s skepticism about his release, paints a complex picture that is both intriguing and concerning.


According to French authorities, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov might be freed by Wednesday (local time). Yet, it seems unlikely that he will be released in August as suggested by Polymarket; instead, they’re betting on his release happening sometime before the end of September.

As an analyst, I’m sharing the current situation regarding Durov. While no formal charges have been made against him, he is being detained as part of an ongoing investigation. This probe has arisen due to alleged activities on Telegram, such as money laundering, drug trafficking, child pornography, and resistance towards law enforcement cooperation.

According to bettors, there’s a strong likelihood that he will step down or leave his position by October. The market value for this prediction is currently 72 cents per share, with each share promising a payout of one US Dollar worth of stablecoin (USDC) if the forecast proves correct, and nothing if it does not.

https://embed.polymarket.com/market.html

On Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 8:00 PM local time, when Durov’s plane touched down at Le Bourget airport, a general aviation airport located north of Paris, he was taken into custody. It’s possible that he may be detained until Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at 8:00 PM. However, many are speculating that his stay might extend beyond that date.

https://embed.polymarket.com/market.html

The statement suggests that if investigators find enough proof through interrogations, there’s a chance Durov’s detention may be prolonged or he could be officially accused and shifted to pre-trial custody. This scenario might contribute to the market’s uncertainty about his release by the initial due date.

According to information from CoinDesk Indices, Toncoin (TON) currently trades above $5.38, but it has experienced a decrease of 6.8%. Meanwhile, the CoinDesk 20 (CD20), which measures the performance of major digital assets, has dropped by 1.87%.

Read More

2024-08-27 08:59