Justin Sun, the founder of Tron, has announced an ambitious plan to support Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, who has recently found himself entangled in legal issues. Sun is proposing a $1 million fund, dubbed the “FreePavel DAO,” to provide financial backing for Durov’s legal battle.

Sun has committed his own $1 million to the fund, which will be managed through a decentralised autonomous organisation (DAO). This approach means that the distribution of funds will be controlled by the community’s decisions, rather than any centralised authority. Sun’s move is also aimed at rallying other influential figures, including Elon Musk and Mario Nawfal, to contribute to the cause and amplify the support for Durov.
Durov’s predicament began on 24 August when he was reportedly detained at an airport near Paris. The initial reports suggest that his detention relates to issues surrounding content moderation on Telegram. This has sparked significant controversy, particularly within the crypto and tech communities, who have rallied behind Durov.
In response to the detention, Telegram issued a public statement defending Durov and the company’s adherence to European regulations. The statement vehemently denied any wrongdoing by Durov or Telegram and called for a swift resolution to the situation. According to Telegram, the company’s practices are in line with EU laws, and any allegations of misconduct are unfounded.
The situation has sparked a surge of online support for Durov, with the hashtag #FreePavel trending on social media. Both the crypto community and Telegram users have voiced their support, criticising the French authorities for their actions and questioning the motivations behind the detention. The lack of an official statement from French authorities has left many details of Durov’s legal status unclear, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the case.
As the situation develops, the proposed fund by Justin Sun represents a significant gesture of solidarity. By leveraging the decentralised nature of a DAO, Sun’s initiative aims to gather community support and address the financial needs arising from Durov’s legal challenges. This move not only highlights the growing intersection of cryptocurrency and legal advocacy but also underscores the role of influential figures in mobilising support for their peers.
The outcome of Durov’s case remains to be seen, with further updates expected from Paris. For now, the rallying cry of #FreePavel and the proposed $1 million fund reflect a strong response from the tech and crypto communities, eager to support one of their own in a time of legal turmoil.