Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, was arrested at Paris' Le Bourget airport on Saturday night, sparking international controversy and accusations from Russia over France's handling of the situation. The 39-year-old Franco-Russian billionaire faces multiple serious charges related to his popular encrypted messaging platform, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism.
Durov, who arrived in Paris from Baku, Azerbaijan, is scheduled to appear in court on Sunday. His arrest follows an investigation led by France’s Office for the Prevention of Violence Against Minors (OFMIN), which had issued an arrest warrant against him. The charges primarily center around allegations that Telegram failed to adequately address the criminal use of its platform.
Russia's reaction to the arrest has been one of outrage, with the country's embassy in Paris demanding immediate explanations and consular access to Durov. Moscow claims that France has refused to cooperate, further escalating tensions between the two nations.
In response to the arrest, prominent figures have voiced their support for Durov. Elon Musk, the owner of the social media platform X, took to the platform to post the hashtag #FreePavel, calling for Durov’s release. Former U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also emphasized the urgency of protecting free speech in light of Durov's situation.
Telegram, headquartered in Dubai, has long positioned itself as a privacy-focused alternative to U.S.-based social media platforms. The app, which boasts over 900 million active users, has been criticized for allowing the spread of illegal content due to its encryption and large group capabilities. However, Durov has maintained that the platform will never disclose user information, underscoring its commitment to privacy.
Durov’s arrest marks a significant moment in the ongoing global debate over free speech, privacy, and the responsibilities of tech platforms in curbing illegal activities online. The outcome of his court appearance could have far-reaching implications for Telegram and its users worldwide.
