Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested in France: Allegations Linked to Criminal Activity on Messaging Platform

Pavel Durov, the Russian-born billionaire and CEO of the Telegram messaging app, has been detained by French authorities, as confirmed by the Russian Embassy in Paris. Durov’s arrest at Le Bourget airport on Saturday has sparked concerns and inquiries from Russian officials, who are pressing for an explanation and demanding consular access to ensure the protection of his rights.

The embassy expressed frustration with the lack of communication from the French side, stating, “As of today, the French side has so far avoided interacting on this issue.” Meanwhile, the embassy remains in close contact with Durov’s legal team as they await further developments.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Durov, 39, was detained on allegations related to the misuse of the Telegram platform, which has long faced criticism for its approach to content moderation. Authorities suspect Durov of failing to prevent criminal activities on Telegram, a platform used by over 900 million people globally. The charges could include involvement in fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and even the promotion of terrorism. Durov is expected to make a court appearance on Sunday.

While Telegram is one of the most widely used messaging apps worldwide, its permissive approach to content has drawn scrutiny from various law enforcement agencies, leading to accusations that it serves as a hub for illicit activities. Despite these concerns, Durov has consistently defended the platform’s commitment to privacy and freedom of expression.

Durov, who now resides in Dubai and holds citizenship in both France and the United Arab Emirates, has not publicly commented on his arrest or the allegations against him. His history of tension with Russian authorities is well-documented; in 2014, he fled Russia and sold his stake in VKontakte, a social network he co-founded in 2006, after facing pressure from Kremlin-linked entities.

In an April interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Durov spoke candidly about the challenges he has faced from governments worldwide, emphasizing his desire for independence and freedom from external control. “I would rather be free, I wouldn’t want to take orders from anyone,” Durov stated during the interview.

The arrest has also had immediate financial repercussions. Toncoin, a cryptocurrency associated with Telegram, plummeted by 23% following the news, reflecting the uncertainty surrounding Durov’s legal situation and its potential impact on the platform’s future.

As this story develops, the global tech community and Telegram’s vast user base will be watching closely to see how these allegations unfold and what they mean for the future of one of the world’s most influential messaging platforms.