Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris shortly after landing on a private jet from Azerbaijan on Saturday evening. Sources close to the matter confirmed that the 39-year-old tech mogul was placed in custody, sparking a strong reaction from Moscow and criticism from Elon Musk, who claimed that free speech in Europe is under threat.
While French authorities have yet to officially confirm the arrest, two French police sources and one Russian source, all speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Durov was detained due to an outstanding arrest warrant in France. The warrant was reportedly related to an ongoing investigation into Telegram’s alleged failure to moderate content on its platform, which has been linked to various criminal activities.
In response to the arrest, Telegram issued a statement defending its CEO, emphasizing that the platform complies with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act. Telegram insisted that Durov, who holds dual French and UAE citizenship, has nothing to hide and frequently travels across Europe. The company dismissed claims that Durov or the platform should be held accountable for the misuse of its services.
The investigation, led by a specialized unit in cybersecurity and anti-fraud, focuses on accusations that Telegram’s lack of moderation has enabled a range of illegal activities. Moscow has demanded that France ensure Durov’s rights are respected, with Russian lawmaker Maria Butina labeling him a “political prisoner” and a victim of Western hostility.
Telegram, based in Dubai and boasting nearly 1 billion users, was founded by Durov after he fled Russia in 2014 due to pressure from authorities to shut down opposition groups on his previous platform, VK. The app has since become a critical communication tool in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states, particularly during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
As Telegram’s influence continues to grow, it has faced increasing scrutiny from European governments, including France, over security and data privacy concerns. Durov has previously accused U.S. agencies, like the FBI, of attempting to gain backdoor access to the platform, allegations that remain unaddressed by the agency.
The arrest has ignited debates about the future of free speech and digital privacy in Europe, with Musk tweeting a stark warning: “It’s 2030 in Europe, and you’re being executed for liking a meme.” As the situation unfolds, the global tech community watches closely to see how this high-profile case will impact the broader landscape of digital rights and governance.
