Photo credit: Reuters
August 24, 2024
Pavel Durov, the founder and head of Telegram, which runs the popular messenger of the same name, was detained by French police upon arrival at Le Bourget airport on his private jet.
As reported by the French TV channel TF1Durov was placed on a wanted list on the grounds that his lack of moderation on Telegram and refusal to cooperate with law enforcement made him a suspect in complicity in illegal activity occurring on the network, including drug trafficking, child pornography, and fraud.
In addition to Russian citizenship, Durov also holds French citizenship. According to French media, he knew he was wanted and avoided visiting France. Sources do not understand why he came this time.
The 39-year-old billionaire flew in from Azerbaijan. He was accompanied by a bodyguard and an unnamed woman.
Durov is due to appear before a judge on Sunday. TF1 reports, citing an investigator, that prosecutors will ask for him to be remanded in custody because they believe he can easily flee the country. Durov has every opportunity to do so: a plane, passports and huge amounts of money.
The French authorities have not yet made any official announcements about Durov’s detention. There are very few details in the case. The Russian embassy in France complained on Sunday that the French are ignoring all requests.
“After news of Durov’s detention appeared in the media, we immediately asked the French authorities for clarification on the reasons and demanded that his rights be protected and that consular access be granted. As of today, the French side has so far avoided interacting on this issue,” the embassy wrote on Facebook and reported that it was in contact with Durov’s lawyer.
Telegram has not yet commented on reports of Pavel Durov’s arrest.
