Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, has been arrested by French authorities at Le Bourget airport, north of Paris. The 39-year-old tech entrepreneur was detained after arriving on his private jet, according to French media reports.
Officials have stated that Durov’s arrest was made pursuant to a warrant related to crimes related to the Telegram platform. The specific nature of these crimes has not been disclosed at this time.
The Russian embassy in France has responded quickly to the news, with From Russia The state news agency TASS reported that diplomatic officials were taking “immediate steps” to gather more information about the situation.
Durov, whose net worth is estimated by Forbes at $15.5 billion, was reportedly traveling on his private jet from Azerbaijan He was arrested at around 8pm local time. The arrest is said to be related to a preliminary police investigation underway in France.
The investigation reportedly focuses on Telegram’s alleged lack of content moderation. French Authorities reportedly believe this situation has allowed criminal activities to flourish unchecked on the platform.
Telegram, which boasts nearly 900 million active users, has become a major player in global communications, particularly in Russia, Ukraine and the former Soviet republics. The platform has gained prominence as a source of unfiltered information about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, used by government officials and citizens alike.
Durov, who was born in Russia but now resides in Dubai, has previously said that while some governments have put pressure on him, Telegram should remain a “neutral platform” and not a “player in geopolitics.”
News of Durov’s alleged detention has sparked swift reactions. The Russian embassy in France told state news agency TASS that it was taking “immediate” steps to clarify the situation. Meanwhile, some Russian politicians and diplomats have criticised France’s actions, and calls for protests at French embassies around the world have circulated on social media.
Telegram has not yet responded to requests for comment and French authorities, including the Interior Ministry and police, have declined to comment on the reports.
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