Pavel Durov, the Russian-French billionaire and CEO of the Telegram messaging app, was detained at Bourget Airport near Paris on Saturday evening, according to reports from TF1 TV and BFM TV, citing anonymous sources.
Circumstances of the Arrest
Durov was aboard his private jet when he was apprehended, TF1 reported. The arrest was reportedly linked to a warrant issued in France as part of an ongoing preliminary investigation.
Investigation Focus
The investigation centers on concerns over inadequate moderation on Telegram. Authorities believe this deficiency may have facilitated criminal activities on the platform.
Legal Proceedings and Telegram’s Role
French media indicate that Durov could face indictment on Sunday. Telegram, which boasts nearly 1 billion users, is notably influential in Russia, Ukraine, and former Soviet republics.
Telegram has yet to comment on the situation, and the French Interior Ministry and police have also refrained from making statements.
Background on Pavel Durov
Durov, who co-founded Telegram with his brother in 2013, left Russia in 2014 after refusing government demands to shut down opposition groups on his previous social media platform, VKontakte, which he subsequently sold. In an interview with Tucker Carlson in April, Durov expressed his preference for personal freedom over compliance with authoritarian demands.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Telegram has become a significant channel for unfiltered content related to the conflict. The platform is heavily utilized by both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Russian government, and has emerged as a key source of independent news for Russians amid increased media censorship.
Reaction and Controversy
The Russian foreign ministry has stated that its embassy in Paris is working to clarify Durov’s situation and has urged Western NGOs to advocate for his release. The Russian government had previously blocked Telegram in 2018 after the app refused to grant access to state security services. Despite this, Telegram continued to be accessible in Russia, leading to protests and criticism from NGOs.
Recent Developments and International Reactions
TF1 reported that Durov, who was traveling from Azerbaijan, was arrested around 8 p.m. local time. With an estimated net worth of $15.5 billion, Durov has previously claimed that various governments have attempted to pressure him, asserting that Telegram should remain neutral and not engage in geopolitical issues.
The increasing scrutiny of Telegram in Europe, particularly concerning security and data privacy, continues to generate debate. Russian officials, including Mikhail Ulyanov, have accused France of authoritarianism, echoing criticisms Russia faced during its own attempts to control Telegram.
Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), commented on Durov’s detention, highlighting concerns about freedom of expression. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently endorsed Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential race, also stressed the urgency of protecting free speech. Meanwhile, Russian bloggers have called for global protests at French embassies.
Inputs by Agencies
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