Telegram Boss Pavel Durov Snapped Up by French Cops at Paris Airport
Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov, 39, was arrested by French police as he landed at Le Bourget Airport, just north of Paris, aboard his private jet. Authorities confirmed the detention was linked to a warrant over alleged offences tied to the popular messaging app.
Allegations Shrouded in Mystery as Russian Embassy Steps In
The exact charges against Durov remain under wraps. However, Russia’s embassy in France has sprung into action, taking “immediate steps” to get to the bottom of the arrest, according to Russia’s TASS news agency.
Telegram Founder’s Rocky Ties with Russia
Durov launched Telegram in 2013 and quickly became a tech heavyweight, especially across Russia and former Soviet states. The app ranks alongside giants like WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram worldwide.
- In 2018, Telegram was banned in Russia after Durov refused to hand over user data to government officials.
- The ban was lifted in 2021, but Telegram remains a key platform for opposition groups and activists in Russia.
- Durov fled Russia in 2014 after refusing to shut down opposition communities on VKontakte, the social media platform he founded and then sold.
What’s Next for Durov?
The story is still unfolding. Officials are tight-lipped, but further details about the reasons behind Durov’s arrest and possible legal battles are expected soon.
