Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of Telegram, was arrested in France amid an investigation into severe criminal activities linked to the messaging platform, including child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraudulent transactions.
Durov was detained on Saturday evening at Le Bourget airport near Paris. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the arrest, emphasizing that it was not politically motivated and that the judiciary would handle it independently.
The investigation, which began on July 8, is led by the Paris prosecutor's cybercrime unit. Durov is suspected of complicity in several crimes, such as managing an online platform facilitating illegal transactions, child exploitation, and money laundering. The probe also concerns Telegram's refusal to provide information to authorities and its alleged role in providing encryption services to criminals.
Telegram, a widely used messaging app with nearly 1 billion users, is particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and former Soviet states.
The arrest has drawn criticism from notable figures like Elon Musk, who argue that European free speech is threatened. Meanwhile, the UAE, where Durov also holds citizenship, has requested France to ensure Durov receives proper consular assistance.
Durov, often dubbed "Russia's Mark Zuckerberg," acquired French citizenship in 2021 through a fast-track process typically reserved for individuals who significantly contribute to France's global influence.
The Kremlin has yet to receive official charges against Durov, and Russia's embassy in Paris has reportedly been denied consular access to him.
Durov, whose net worth is estimated at $15.5 billion, has previously stated that Telegram should remain a neutral platform free from geopolitical influences.
Telegram has maintained that it complies with European Union regulations and is committed to improving its content moderation practices.
