Pavel Durov, the Russian-French billionaire who founded the popular messaging app Telegram, was arrested on Saturday evening at Bourget Airport near Paris. The 39-year-old tech mogul was reportedly detained as he was leaving his private jet, according to multiple reports from French media.
The arrest appears to be linked to a French arrest warrant issued in connection with an ongoing police investigation. According to French outlets TF1 and BFM TV, the investigation focuses on Telegram's alleged failure to properly moderate content on its platform. Authorities believe this lack of oversight has allowed criminal activity to flourish unchecked. Sources suggest that Durov could face formal charges as soon as Sunday, though details of the potential indictment remain unclear.
Telegram, which Durov founded with his brother in 2013, has grown into one of the world's most influential social media platforms. Boasting nearly a billion users globally, it is particularly popular across former Soviet Union countries, where it ranks alongside giants like Facebook and WhatsApp. Despite its popularity, Telegram has faced criticism and scrutiny from various governments due to its strong privacy features, which have made it a preferred tool for those seeking to communicate securely, including criminal networks.
The platform's lack of moderation has been a point of contention, with critics arguing that it has become a haven for illegal activities, including the spread of misinformation and extremist content. French authorities are reportedly concerned about Telegram's role in facilitating such activities and believe that Durov, as the platform's founder, bears responsibility for its operations.
When approached for comment, Telegram did not immediately respond. The French Interior Ministry and police also declined to comment on the situation, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the specifics of the investigation and the potential legal consequences for Durov.
Born in Russia, Durov has a long history of clashes with authorities. He first gained prominence as the creator of VKontakte, a social media platform that became known as the Russian equivalent of Facebook. However, after refusing to comply with government demands to shut down opposition groups on VKontakte, Durov sold the platform and left Russia in 2014. Since then, he has lived a nomadic lifestyle, with Telegram operating from various locations around the world, including Berlin, London, Singapore, and San Francisco.
Telegram has played a significant role in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the platform has been used extensively by both sides to disseminate information. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his officials, as well as the Russian government, have relied on Telegram to communicate with the public. The platform has been dubbed "a virtual battlefield" for the war, given its unfiltered and sometimes graphic content.
As Telegram continues to evade official scrutiny, it remains one of the few platforms through which Russians can access independent news about the conflict. This comes despite the Kremlin's crackdown on independent media following the invasion, further complicating the platform's already controversial reputation.
