Pavel Durov, the 39-year-old founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested on August 24, 2024, at Le Bourget airport near Paris, France. Durov, who holds multiple citizenships including French and Russian, was detained upon arrival from Azerbaijan, accompanied by his bodyguard and a woman.The arrest is linked to a French investigation into Telegram’s alleged role in facilitating criminal activities. Authorities accuse Durov of failing to adequately moderate content on the platform and not cooperating with ongoing investigations. Potential charges include complicity in drug trafficking, terrorism, fraud, money laundering, and crimes against children.French investigators expressed surprise at Durov’s arrival, given his status as a wanted individual. One source close to the investigation told TF1-LCI, ‘He made a mistake tonight. We don’t know why,’ adding, ‘In any case, he’s locked up.’ Telegram, founded by Durov and his brother Nikolai in 2013, has faced criticism for its strong encryption and alleged use by criminal elements. The platform, which aims to reach one billion active users by next year, has been accused of being a hub for far-right groups and conspiracy theories in some countries.The arrest has sparked international attention and criticism. Russian officials, including Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, have questioned the motives behind the arrest. Mikhail Uljanov, Russia’s representative to international organizations, accused France of behaving like a dictatorship.Durov is expected to appear in court soon, where formal charges may be presented. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison. The case highlights growing tensions between encrypted communication platforms and government efforts to regulate online content and combat cybercrime.
Key points
- Pavel Durov, Telegram’s founder, was arrested in France on August 24, 2024, over allegations of facilitating criminal activities through the app.
- French authorities accuse Durov of insufficient content moderation and lack of cooperation with law enforcement.
- The arrest has sparked international criticism, particularly from Russian officials.
- If convicted, Durov could face up to 20 years in prison.
Contradictions👾Some sources report Durov’s arrest at Le Bourget airport, while one source mentions Charles de Gaulle Airport.
👾The exact charges against Durov vary slightly between sources, though they generally revolve around facilitating criminal activities through Telegram.
