Paris, August 25, 2024, The Europe Today: French police arrested Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram, on Saturday evening at Le Bourget airport near Paris. The arrest was made on an outstanding warrant related to alleged offenses linked to the use of Telegram, according to a report by AFP, citing unnamed officials.
Durov, who was traveling aboard his private jet from Azerbaijan, was detained at approximately 8 p.m. local time (1800 GMT), as confirmed by French broadcaster TF1. He is expected to appear in court on Sunday to face charges.
Investigation Focuses on Telegram’s Role in Criminal Activity
Durov is under investigation for allegedly failing to implement adequate measures to prevent the use of Telegram for criminal purposes. The arrest warrant was issued by France’s OFMIN, an agency responsible for preventing violence against minors, as part of a preliminary investigation. The alleged offenses under investigation include fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism.
An investigator involved in the case commented on Telegram’s perceived “impunity” and expressed surprise that Durov chose to visit Paris despite being a wanted man.
Telegram’s Global Influence
Telegram, founded by Durov and his brother Nikolai in 2013, has grown into one of the world’s most influential social media platforms, standing alongside giants like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The platform, which is particularly known for its emphasis on privacy and encrypted communications, is aiming to reach one billion active users by next year.
Durov, 39, who reportedly holds French citizenship, left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with government demands to shut down opposition communities on his first social media platform, VK, which he subsequently sold. Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Telegram became a crucial platform for unfiltered and sometimes graphic content related to the war, often serving as a primary source of information for both sides in the conflict.
Russian Reaction to Durov’s Arrest
The arrest has sparked immediate concern in Russia, where Telegram is a widely used communication tool, including by government officials and politicians. The Russian Embassy in France is reportedly taking “immediate steps” to clarify the circumstances surrounding Durov’s detention, according to Russian state news agency TASS.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hinted at the potential diplomatic response to Durov’s arrest, questioning whether Russian authorities would appeal to Paris for his release or remain silent. Telegram’s importance in Russia underscores the significance of this arrest, as the platform is deeply embedded in the country’s communication infrastructure.
As the situation develops, the international community will be watching closely to see how this high-profile case unfolds, particularly given the broader implications for global digital communication and privacy.
