Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, has been arrested in France, prompting outrage from his lawyer who describes the detention as “absolutely ridiculous” and a violation of free speech. Durov is accused of not taking sufficient measures to prevent criminal activities on the platform, which has faced allegations of facilitating drug trafficking, child sexual exploitation, and fraud due to its alleged lack of cooperation with law enforcement.
Reports indicate that the billionaire was detained after his private jet landed at Le Bourget Airport in Paris. His attorney, Dmitry Agranovsky, criticized the charges, likening them to holding a car manufacturer responsible for crimes committed with its vehicles.
Durov, 39, a Russian-born entrepreneur currently residing in Dubai, holds dual citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and France. Telegram, founded by Durov in 2013, has gained significant popularity, especially in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states. The app faced a ban in Russia in 2018 for its refusal to share user data but was reinstated in 2021.
Following the arrest, the Russian Embassy in France announced efforts to clarify the circumstances surrounding Durov’s detention and ensure his rights are upheld. They noted a lack of cooperation from French authorities. Russian officials have spoken out against the arrest, criticizing perceived double standards in Western attitudes toward free speech and democracy.
Prominent figures, including American whistleblower Edward Snowden and X owner Elon Musk, have voiced their concerns regarding Durov’s detention. Musk has been vocal on social media, even using hashtags in support of Durov, prompting discussions about the implications of such actions on individual freedoms.
Critics have raised concerns about Telegram’s ability to manage content, with the platform facing scrutiny for hosting extremist channels. Although some groups have been removed, experts argue that its content moderation systems are less robust compared to other major social media networks.