Telegram Messaging App CEO, Pavel Durov.
Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram, was detained at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on Saturday evening. French media outlets LCI and TF1 reported that Durov, who holds dual citizenship in France and Russia, was taken into custody upon arriving in France from Azerbaijan.
French authorities, specifically the National Anti-Fraud Office, informed Durov of his detention. However, French prosecutors declined to comment on the arrest, adhering to the guidelines of an ongoing investigation.
Reports indicate that the arrest warrant against Durov stems from accusations that Telegram has been used for illegal activities, including money laundering, drug trafficking, and other crimes. The warrant was issued by France at the request of a special unit within the interior ministry that investigates crimes against minors, such as the possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material and online grooming.
Durov's representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter.
Telegram, founded by Durov and his brother, emerged as a response to the Russian government's crackdown following mass pro-democracy protests in Moscow during late 2011 and 2012. As Russian authorities imposed regulations to control digital communication, Telegram became a popular platform for free expression and news sharing.
In 2018, Russian authorities attempted to block Telegram for refusing to provide encryption keys. Despite these efforts, the ban was not fully enforced, and Telegram remained widely accessible. The ban was eventually lifted two years later. As of March 2024, Telegram reportedly collaborated with Russian authorities to some extent, removing over 256,000 posts deemed prohibited by the Russian media watchdog Roskomnadzor.
The app also plays a significant role in Ukraine, where it is used by media and officials to disseminate news, including updates on the ongoing conflict and emergency alerts.
A French judicial official hinted that Durov might face a judge later today to decide whether his detention will be extended. The official, who was not authorized to be named, mentioned that any decision would be made by an investigating judge.
Western governments have often criticized Telegram for insufficient content moderation, which experts say could enable illegal activities and the distribution of harmful content.
Russian officials have expressed outrage over Durov’s arrest, accusing the West of double standards regarding freedom of speech. Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, pointed out that international human rights organizations had condemned Russia's attempt to block Telegram in 2018. She questioned whether similar groups would now call for Durov’s release from Paris.
The Russian Embassy in Paris has requested access to Durov, but according to Zakharova, French authorities consider his French citizenship as his primary nationality.
