Telegram's Durov accuses French state of data sales

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has accused French authorities of selling sensitive data to criminals, leading to a wave of kidnappings. Durov stated that 41 kidnappings of cryptocurrency owners occurred in France in the first 3.5 months of 2026 due to leaks and corrupt officials selling data from tax databases. He argued that granting the state access to social media identifiers and private messages would lead to more leaks and victims, which is why Telegram chose to leave the French market. The full statement frames the company's exit as a principled stand against what it calls corrupt practices.