Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested in France Over App Misuse Allegations

Durov Detained at Paris Airport Amidst Controversy in  a surprising turn of events, Pavel Durov, the CEO and founder of Telegram, was arrested at Bourget Airport in Paris late last evening. Durov had just arrived from Baku, Azerbaijan, on his private jet when French authorities apprehended him. The arrest comes as Durov was scheduled to appear in court to address allegations related to his messaging app, Telegram.

Charges and Allegations

The arrest follows a warrant issued by the French agency OFMIN, which focuses on preventing violence against minors. The agency accuses Telegram of failing to adequately moderate content on its platform, resulting in its alleged use for criminal activities. The specific charges against Durov include promoting fraud, drug smuggling, cybercrime, and terrorism through Telegram.

Public Reaction and Protests

The arrest has sparked outrage among Russian bloggers and Telegram supporters. There are planned protests outside French embassies worldwide, scheduled for Sunday afternoon. Critics argue that the move against Durov is politically motivated and an overreach of law enforcement.

Telegram’s Global Presence

Telegram, a widely used messaging app with 900 million active users, has grown significantly since its inception. Despite competition from major social networks like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, Telegram has carved out a substantial user base. The app is headquartered in Dubai, where Durov has resided since leaving Russia in 2014. According to Forbes, Durov’s net worth is estimated at $15.5 billion.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the tech community and Telegram users worldwide will be watching closely to see how this high-profile case impacts the future of digital communication platforms.