Does Durov have an action plan in case of his arrest? — MASS MEDIA — EADaily, August 25, 2024 — Politics, Russia

Several major media outlets and Telegram channels reported that Telegram had developed an “action plan in case of arrest of Pavel Durov.” According to journalists, the plan was approved by the founder of the car himself, as well as “his right-hand man Dmitry Butkin.”

“At the same time, no assistant to Pavel Durov named Dmitry Butkin was previously known,” points out the Telegram channel “Base”, whose sources reported that they did not know such a person.

“Most likely, information about Butkin and the developed plan appeared in the media after one of the channels jokingly changed last year's posts about the PMCs in a new way.” Wagner “There is a plan of action in case of the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin and his right-hand man Dmitry Utkin,” the base believes.

Currently, some media and Telegram channels have already removed information about Butkin from their posts.

EADaily adds that Pavel Durov flew from Baku to Paris accompanied by his assistant and bodyguard and plans to spend at least one evening in the French capital, where he has reserved a table in one of the restaurants. This was reported by the newspaper Le Figaro. Durov's Embraer Legacy 600 plane landed at the French airport yesterday at 7:30 p.m. local time. A few minutes later, Pavel was arrested.

According to the newspaper, one of the investigators was surprised that Durov, knowing he was wanted in France, still decided to come to Paris. Another source familiar with the case said Durov's decision was due to a “sense of impunity.”

According to French journalists, Durov is considered “involved in drug trafficking, crimes against children, cybercrime and fraud” because Telegram “lacks moderation and cooperation with representatives of the judiciary.”

It is also alleged that Durov knew he could be arrested in France, which is why he avoided traveling to Europe for a long time. The Telegram founder is due to appear in court on Sunday, August 25.