Telegram’ founder Pavel Durov, was detained for suspected offenses involving the messaging service after being apprehended at an airport on Saturday night outside of Paris.
The 39-year-old millionaire, who was born in Russia, was allegedly charged with neglecting to prevent illegal activity using his website.
According to AFP, which cited a source, Durov was the target of an arrest warrant issued by France’s OFMIN, which is in charge of protecting children from violence. The allegations against him included organized crime, drug trafficking, fraud, cyberbullying, and the encouragement of terrorism on his platform.
With about 800 million users, the messaging app is well-liked in both Russia and Ukraine.
The Russian embassy in France stated that it had “immediately asked the French authorities for clarification of the reasons and demanded to ensure the protection of his rights and provide consular access” as soon as it learned of Durov’s incarceration. The Telegram message stated that Durov’s attorney was in communication with embassy representatives.
More about Durov:
- Durov founded social network VKontakte (VK) in 2006, which was also referred to as Russia’s version of Facebook.
- He subsequently left the company after a dispute with Kremlin-linked owners on the network’s management. Durov had reportedly refused to cooperate with authorities on blocking late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s page on the platform.
- After stepping down from VK, Durov emigrated from Russia in 2014. He obtained citizenship at the Caribbean island archipelago of Saint Kitts and Nevis after making a $250,000 donation to its sugar industry. Durov was granted French citizenship in August 2021.
- In an interview with American commentator Tucker Carlson this year, Durov cited how he prioritizes freedom — freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and a free market — whether it be his decision to leave VK over a decade ago, or his personal life, freedom comes first.
- He founded Telegram in 2013, marketing it as an uncensored and neutral platform, accessible to people from all walks of life and views.
- Durov is estimated to have a net worth of about $15.5 billion, according to Forbes, making him the world’s 121st wealthiest person.
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