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.Key Segments and TimestampsKey Revelations1. 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.Featured GuestWilliam Echikson - Non-resident Senior Fellow with the Digital Innovation Initiative at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA)Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices