Telegram CEO Pavel Durov is scheduled to appear in a French court on Sunday after his unexpected arrest at a Paris airport. The arrest, reportedly linked to various allegations surrounding his popular messaging app, has sparked diplomatic tensions between Russia and France.
The 39-year-old tech mogul was detained at Le Bourget Airport after arriving from Baku, Azerbaijan, with plans for a brief visit to the French capital. Sources close to the case revealed that an investigating magistrate would decide later on Sunday whether to extend Durov’s 24-hour detention or proceed with charging him.
The French Office for the Prevention of Violence Against Minors (OFMIN) had issued an arrest warrant for Durov as part of an ongoing investigation into serious accusations, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and the promotion of terrorism. The charges stem from claims that Durov failed to adequately address the criminal activities occurring on Telegram, his encrypted messaging platform.
One investigator expressed surprise at Durov’s decision to fly to Paris despite knowing he was under investigation. “Telegram’s impunity cannot continue unchecked,” the investigator stated, signaling a firm stance against the platform’s alleged negligence.
In response to Durov’s arrest, Russian authorities criticized France for its lack of cooperation. The Russian Embassy in Paris issued a statement, demanding an explanation for Durov’s detention and immediate consular access. However, they reported receiving no response from French officials.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, emphasized Russia’s request for consular access, while also noting that France considers Durov’s French citizenship as his primary nationality, complicating the diplomatic process.
The arrest has garnered international attention, with prominent figures like Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaking out in support of Durov. Musk took to his social media platform, X, posting the hashtag #FreePavel and questioning the state of freedom in France. Kennedy echoed the sentiment, stressing the urgent need to protect free speech in the face of growing censorship.
Telegram, based in Dubai, has long marketed itself as a privacy-centric alternative to US-based platforms, vowing never to disclose user information. Durov’s arrest raises new concerns about the balance between privacy, free speech, and the responsibilities of digital platforms in combating criminal activity.
As the situation unfolds, the outcome of Durov’s court appearance could have far-reaching implications for both Telegram and the broader debate over online privacy and platform accountability.
