Pavel Durov, the Russian-French billionaire and CEO of the Telegram messaging platform, was detained at Bourget airport near Paris on Saturday evening, according to TF1 TV and BFM TV, which cited unnamed sources.
Arrest Details
Durov was reportedly on his private jet when he was apprehended. The arrest followed a warrant issued in France as part of an ongoing preliminary investigation, TF1 reported.
Focus of the Investigation
Both TF1 and BFM TV noted that the investigation centers on the alleged lack of moderation on Telegram, which is believed to have enabled unchecked criminal activities on the app.
Possible Legal Consequences
French media have indicated that Durov may face formal charges on Sunday. The Telegram app, which boasts nearly 1 billion users, holds significant influence in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet republics, positioning it among the leading social media platforms alongside Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and WeChat.
Platform’s Role and Response
Telegram, known for its encryption, has not yet responded to a request for comment from Reuters. The French Interior Ministry and police have also refrained from commenting.
Durov’s Background
Durov, who founded Telegram with his brother in 2013, left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with government demands to shut down opposition communities on his VKontakte platform, which he subsequently sold. In a 2023 interview with U.S. commentator Tucker Carlson, Durov expressed his preference for freedom over governmental control.
Telegram’s Role in the Ukraine Conflict
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Telegram has become a critical source of unfiltered content related to the conflict, though this has included both graphic and misleading information. The platform is heavily utilized by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian government officials alike.
Access to Independent News
Telegram has emerged as a key source for independent news in Russia, particularly as the Kremlin has imposed stricter controls on media following its invasion of Ukraine.
Russian Reactions and International Scrutiny
The Russian foreign ministry has stated that its embassy in Paris is seeking clarity on Durov’s situation and has urged Western NGOs to advocate for his release. Russia had previously blocked Telegram in 2018 for refusing to share encrypted messages with state security services, a move that led to widespread protests in Moscow and criticism from NGOs.
Recent Developments
TF1 reported that Durov, who was traveling from Azerbaijan, was arrested around 8 p.m. local time (4 p.m. ET). Durov, whose net worth is estimated by Forbes at $15.5 billion, has maintained that Telegram should remain a “neutral platform” and avoid geopolitical entanglements.
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International Reactions
Durov’s detention has prompted reactions from various figures. Russian diplomat Mikhail Ulyanov criticized France, comparing its actions to those of a dictatorship. Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), commented on the situation, while Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently endorsed Donald Trump, highlighted the importance of protecting free speech. Additionally, Russian bloggers have called for protests at French embassies globally.
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