In this explosive episode of Narativ, Zev Shalev uncovers the dark underbelly of social media giants and their ties to Russian oligarchs and organized crime. Focusing on Telegram founder Pavel Durov's recent arrest, we explore the intricate web of connections that link some of the world's most popular platforms to Kremlin interests and criminal enterprises.

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview

05:23 - Pavel Durov's arrest and the shattered exile myth

15:47 - Telegram's hidden connections to Russian money

28:12 - Social media platforms as facilitators of organized crime

39:55 - Interview with William Echikson, tech policy expert

59:30 - The Russian nexus: Zuckerberg, Musk, and beyond

1:12:18 - Implications for the 2024 elections and global politics

1:25:45 - Conclusion and call to action

1. Pavel Durov visited Russia over 50 times between 2015-2021, contradicting his exile narrative.

2. Telegram's payment system is linked to Digital Sky Technologies (DST), a firm with Kremlin ties.

3. Major platforms like Facebook and Twitter (X) have significant connections to Russian oligarch money.

4. These platforms have become tools for organized crime, facilitating everything from drug trafficking to terrorism.

5. Durov's arrest in France marks a potential shift towards holding tech leaders accountable.

William Echikson - Non-resident Senior Fellow with the Digital Innovation Initiative at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)