Pavel Durov, co-founder and CEO of the messaging platform Telegram, was arrested on Saturday at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, according to reports from the French media. Durov, who was arriving on his private jet from Azerbaijan, was detained by law enforcement officials, with details about the situation expected to be released by the Paris prosecutor’s office on Monday.
The arrest stems from an ongoing investigation into Telegram’s role in failing to prevent illegal activities on its platform. French news agency AFP has reported that an arrest warrant was issued for Durov over suspicions that Telegram has not done enough to combat criminal activities such as drug trafficking, terrorism promotion, and various forms of fraud. Additionally, the French newspaper Le Monde highlighted that the investigation is also looking into whether Durov has resisted cooperating with law enforcement on other issues, including cyber scams and the spread of child pornography on Telegram.
In response to the arrest, Telegram released a statement on Sunday, asserting that “Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe.” The company further criticized the allegations, stating, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.” Telegram also emphasized its commitment to adhering to European Union laws, noting that its moderation practices are “within industry standards and constantly improving.”
Following Durov’s detention, the Russian Embassy in France issued a statement expressing its concern and requesting an explanation from French authorities. The embassy also demanded that Durov’s rights be respected and that he be granted access to consular services.
Pavel Durov, a 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire, holds dual citizenship in France and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He manages Telegram from its base in Dubai, overseeing a platform that boasts nearly one billion users worldwide. Durov’s journey in the tech world began in 2007 when he founded VKontakte, a social media platform similar to Facebook that quickly became the most popular social network in Russia. Due to his role in creating VKontakte, he is often referred to as “Russia’s Mark Zuckerberg.”
In 2013, Pavel Durov, along with his brother Nikolai, launched Telegram. However, Durov left Russia a year later after he refused to comply with the Russian government’s demands to provide data on Ukrainian users of VKontakte. Since then, Telegram has become a favorite among cryptocurrency enthusiasts and has gained prominence as a leading messaging service globally. The platform is particularly known for providing real-time, unfiltered updates on conflicts such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.
Despite its popularity, Telegram has faced criticism for its hands-off approach to content moderation. Researchers have raised concerns that the platform’s lax policies have allowed the spread of misinformation, extremism, and illegal activities, including drug sales and child pornography. Some experts have even speculated that Telegram might have connections to the Kremlin, a claim that Durov has denied. In a rare interview with the Financial Times in March, his first press appearance since 2017, Durov dismissed the allegations as “inaccurate.”
Durov is known for his unique personal style and enigmatic public persona. His Instagram account often features him bare-chested, showcasing his muscular build in scenic desert landscapes or in luxurious infinity pools. He is also frequently seen wearing all-black outfits, reminiscent of Neo, the iconic character from “The Matrix” film series.
On Telegram, content often quickly spreads to other social networks, where it might be subject to the content moderation rules of those platforms. However, Durov has consistently promoted Telegram as a platform that supports free expression, often positioning it as an “anything-goes” service. This stance has won him admiration from free speech advocates, who see him as a defender of open communication.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Telegram remains a highly influential platform with a significant user base. The outcome of the current investigation and Durov’s detention could have important implications for the future of the platform and its approach to content moderation. As the world waits for further details from French authorities, the case underscores the ongoing tension between tech companies and regulatory bodies over the balance between free speech and responsible content management.
