Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was detained at a Paris airport and is set to appear in court on Sunday, according to sources. Durov, who holds both Russian and French citizenship, was arrested at Le Bourget airport after arriving from Baku, Azerbaijan, for a planned dinner in Paris.
French authorities detained Durov under a warrant issued by OFMIN, an office focused on preventing violence against minors. The investigation involves allegations of fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism—accusations linked to the misuse of Telegram’s platform.
An investigating magistrate is expected to decide on extending Durov’s 24-hour detention. Depending on the outcome, he could face charges or be released. French officials have yet to respond to requests for clarification from Russian authorities, who have accused France of “refusing to cooperate” and demanded consular access to Durov.
The arrest has sparked reactions on social media, with figures like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling for Durov’s release and emphasizing the importance of protecting free speech.
Telegram, based in Dubai, has gained popularity as an alternative to US-owned platforms, particularly due to its commitment to user privacy and refusal to disclose user information. Durov, who launched Telegram after facing pressure from the Russian government while running VK, has praised Dubai for its business environment and neutrality, stating that the platform now has over 900 million active users.
Despite its popularity, Telegram has faced criticism for allowing large groups and channels, which some argue facilitate the spread of harmful content. This has led to accusations that the platform is a breeding ground for misinformation and illegal activities, unlike competitors like WhatsApp, which introduced measures to limit the spread of false information.
