Telegram boss's arrest: Fake Al Jazeera video claims France lost $17 billion in UAE arms deal

Although he was only in French police custody for a few days before his release under judicial supervision, disinformation surrounding the Russian-born Telegram founder Pavel Durov has hit the internet. A doctored social media video – falsely attributed to Al Jazeera – alleges that the UAE froze a $17 billion contract with France for Rafale fighter jets in retaliation for its citizen's arrest, putting the close military ties between the two countries at stake. FRANCE 24's Vedika Bahl debunks this video.

Aug 29, 2024 - 16:00
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Telegram boss's arrest: Fake Al Jazeera video claims France lost $17 billion in UAE arms deal
Although he was only in French police custody for a few days before his release under judicial supervision, disinformation surrounding the Russian-born Telegram founder Pavel Durov has hit the internet. A doctored social media video – falsely attributed to Al Jazeera – alleges that the UAE froze a $17 billion contract with France for Rafale fighter jets in retaliation for its citizen's arrest, putting the close military ties between the two countries at stake. FRANCE 24's Vedika Bahl debunks this video.