Pavel Durov, the billionaire co-founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app, was reportedly arrested on Saturday evening at Bourget Airport near Paris. According to TF1 TV, which cited an unnamed source, Durov was detained while traveling aboard his private jet. The arrest was made in connection with an outstanding warrant in France. According to the sources, the investigation was focused on a lack of moderators on Telegram, and police considered that this situation allowed criminal activity to go on undeterred on the messaging app.
Details of the arrest
Durov, 39, was reportedly en route from Azerbaijan when he was apprehended around 8 p.m. local time (6 p.m. GMT). The Russia-born entrepreneur, who currently resides in Dubai and holds dual citizenship in France and the United Arab Emirates, was expected to appear in court on Sunday.
Telegram, the messaging platform he co-founded with his brother Nikolai in 2013, has grown to nearly 900 million active users, becoming a significant player in the world of encrypted communications.
Background and reactions
Durov, estimated by Forbes to have a net worth of $15.5 billion (£12 billion), left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with government demands to shut down opposition communities on his VK social media platform, which he subsequently sold. Since then, he has become a prominent figure in the tech world, known for his commitment to privacy and free speech.
Telegram did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the news of Durov’s arrest. Meanwhile, Russia’s embassy in France has reportedly begun “immediate steps” to clarify the situation, despite no formal appeal from Durov’s team. A representative from the embassy confirmed that they are proactively addressing the matter.
Telegram’s global influence
Since its launch, Telegram has become a popular platform for secure messaging, offering end-to-end encryption and the ability to set up “channels” for disseminating information quickly to large audiences. The app’s focus on privacy has made it a favored tool for activists, journalists, and individuals seeking to communicate without government interference.
Durov’s arrest has raised questions about the future of Telegram and the potential implications for its millions of users. As the situation unfolds, the tech community and Telegram’s user base are closely watching for further developments.