UAE Requests Consular Services for Telegram Founder

The UAE has requested that France provide consular services to Pavel Durov, co-founder of Telegram, who holds UAE and French citizenship. Durov is currently under investigation in France for child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraudulent transactions conducted on Telegram.

The United Arab Emirates has formally asked France to extend consular services to Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov, according to a statement from the UAE foreign ministry released on Monday. Durov, who holds dual citizenship with France and the UAE, has been detained in France.

French prosecutors confirmed Durov's arrest, citing ongoing investigations into serious crimes, including child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraudulent transactions conducted on the Telegram platform.

The UAE's request underscores the complexities surrounding Durov's legal troubles and the international implications of the charges against him.

(With inputs from agencies.)