Should Pavil Durov Be Locked Up? The Case of Telegram

By Shlomo Maital  

  France has arrested Pavil Durov, the founder of Telegram, an encrypted app used by some billion people worldwide, especially in Russia.

   Can you arrest the founder and CEO of a widely-used app, when it is used for criminal activity?    Here is how the US Cybersecurity Magazine describes the nefarious activities of Telegram, based on an official report:

    :   *** Hackers and cybercriminals leak and sell personal and corporate information on Telegram. *** Info-stealing hacking teams that use Telegram to sell and leak data harvested through infostealers and to organize gangs and build bots to facilitate their activities. *** Banking fraud actors that use Telegram to easily sell credit cards, checks, and other financial instruments.*** Ransomware and data extortion groups that adopt Telegram as an alternative or addition to their blogs and data leak sites, such as Lapsus$. *** Hacktivists who use Telegram to publicize information about their attacks, such as Killnet and ALtahrea Team. *** Illegal physical products are being sold via Telegram, including counterfeits, guns, drugs, and COVID-19 documents. *** Cybercriminals often use the platform to exchange information, share tips and tricks, and coordinate activities. *** Criminals share information about cybercrime techniques and distribute malicious tools such as password-stealing Trojans, keyloggers, and ransomware.

    The report concludes: “These activities have made Telegram an illicit hub of cybercriminal activities, specifically since the platform is thoroughly secured against interference from law enforcement agencies.”

     Durov’s lawyer says it is absurd to charge Durov.  He’s just the innocent creator of a digital tool that criminals use widely and with ease – and it’s encrypted, making it hard to track them down.

     Good for the French.  In law, there is the concept of an accomplice:  who aids and abets.  Telegram aids and abets crime.  Durov is the father of Telegram.

      Lock’m up.