Telegram Founder Accuses French Intelligence of Election Interference in Moldova
Telegram founder Pavel Durov alleges French intelligence pressured him to censor opposition channels ahead of Moldova's 2024 presidential elections. The claims emerge as Moldova's pro-European Party of Action and Solidarity leads in parliamentary voting, amid accusations of Russian interference.
Durov asserts that French operatives exploited his legal troubles in Paris, offering judicial leniency in exchange for removing specific Telegram channels. The dispute highlights escalating state pressures on digital privacy platforms, from messaging apps to cryptocurrency networks.