Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of the encrypted messaging app Telegram, has been arrested in France, according to local news reports. The 39-year-old tech entrepreneur was reportedly detained upon his private jet’s arrival at Le Bourget airport, located on the outskirts of Paris.
French news outlets BFMTV and TF1 have cited unnamed sources indicating that Durov’s arrest follows a search warrant related to an investigation into the app’s moderation practices and potential criminal activities conducted through Telegram. However, neither French police, the Interior Ministry, nor Telegram have yet commented on these allegations.
Telegram, renowned for its robust end-to-end encryption and privacy features, is one of the world’s most downloaded apps, boasting nearly one billion users. It is especially influential in Russia, Ukraine, and former Soviet republics, serving as a vital tool for pro-democracy movements and a significant source of information on Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Despite its popularity, Telegram has faced scrutiny for its use in various criminal activities, including money laundering, drug trafficking, and the distribution of illegal content. The app has also been utilized by far-right activists, contributing to recent unrest in the UK.
Durov’s arrest comes as a surprise, given Telegram’s reputation for maintaining a neutral stance amid geopolitical tensions. Durov, who became a French citizen in August 2021, has been known for his commitment to keeping the app free from political interference.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has announced that it is taking steps to confirm the details surrounding Durov’s arrest. Durov left Russia in 2014 after his previous social media company, VKontakte (VK), was taken over following his refusal to comply with government demands to shut down opposition groups.
Durov, who was naturalized as French in August 2021, is also a citizen of the United Arab Emirates. US commentator Tucker Carlson, writing on X, believes Durov has been detained in France due to his refusal to “censor the truth.” In an interview with Carlson in April, Durov expressed his determination to keep Telegram “neutral” and “free from geopolitics.”
