The United Arab Emirates has reportedly halted the agreement with France for 80 aircraft in response to the detention of Telegram Founder Pavel Durov. Last Saturday, Durov was taken into custody in France as part of an extensive probe into his communication service platform. The company’s inability to monitor illegal activity on its platform is the subject of the lawsuit. Among the offenses are dissemination of child porn and assistance with narcotics trafficking.
Durov holds dual French and UAE citizenship, having been born in Russia. It’s unclear if he still holds Russian citizenship or if he gave it up.
According to recent reports, the UAE was upset with Durov’s imprisonment. The agreement between the UAE and France to buy fighter aircraft has been put on hold.
An agreement has been reached for the sale of 80 Rafale fighter jets between the French manufacturing firm Dassault and the United Arab Emirates. The news story claims the contract is now on hold. A total suspension of military-technical collaboration with France following Durov’s detention is probable, according to avia-pro.
Currently, the UAE has requested consular communication with Durov. Durov was not indicted according to French sources. Based on the information published in Associated Press, Durov may remain under arrest until Wednesday, when a court will decide whether to file charges against him or grant him freedom.
