Telegram Messaging App CEO, Pavel Durov.


August 26, 2024 Tags:

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.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

World Economic Forum Chairman Klaus Schwab Retires After 50 Years of Global Leadership

Klaus Schwab, the 87-year-old founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has stepped down as chairman. After leading the influential....

China Returns $55m Boeing Jet as Trump Tariffs Impact Trade

A Boeing 737 MAX originally bound for China’s Xiamen Airlines made an unexpected return to the US on Sunday. The....

China-U.S. Tariff War Rattles Trade Ties and Businesses

Chinese exporters are on edge as a sweeping tariff war with the United States threatens long-standing trade relationships. What started....

Trump’s Commerce Chief Says, Electronics Tariff Exemption Is Temporary

The U.S. government’s decision to temporarily exempt electronics like smartphones and laptops from tariffs may not offer lasting relief. The....

Hudson’s Bay Insider Bid Protocol Raises Sale Speculation

Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC) has taken a significant step in its ongoing creditor protection process. A new internal protocol shared....

Prada to Acquire Rival Fashion House Versace in €1.25 Billion Deal

In a major move reshaping the global luxury fashion landscape, Prada Group has officially announced its acquisition of Italian fashion....

Biggest Drop in Gas Prices Across Canada: What’s Behind the Relief?

Canadians have been noticing a welcome change at the gas pumps. Over the past few weeks, fuel prices have fallen....

Trump Pauses Reciprocal Tariff for 90 Days, Hits China Harder with 125%

President Donald Trump has announced a temporary relief in his sweeping tariff policy, pausing higher levies for 90 days on....

Wall Street Fears Another ‘Black Monday’ Amid Trump’s Tariff Shock

U.S. stock futures plunged Sunday evening, triggering fears of a repeat of Black Monday, as markets reacted sharply to President....

In Canadian Business This Week: Key Events to Watch

As Canada steps into a new business week, several developments are set to shape the national economic narrative. From politics....

Ontario Businesses Fined for Hiring 700 Unauthorized Foreign Workers

A major federal investigation has resulted in significant penalties for three Ontario-based businesses that were found guilty of employing hundreds....

Markets Brace for Turbulence and Recession Fears as Liberation Day Approaches

Investors are on edge as Liberation Day, set for April 2, nears. As the year's first quarter ends on a....