Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested in France

Pavel Durov, the CEO and founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, was reportedly arrested at the Bourget airport in Paris on August 24, 2024. According to French media, the arrest relates to concerns about inadequate moderation on the platform, which authorities believe has allowed criminal activities to thrive unchecked. Telegram, widely used in Russia, Ukraine, and former Soviet Union republics, is often seen as a critical communication tool during conflicts, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur, left his homeland in 2014 after refusing to comply with Russian government demands to shut down opposition groups on his previous platform, VKontakte. Since then, he relocated to various countries, ultimately settling in Dubai in 2017. In 2021, Durov acquired French citizenship. His net worth, as estimated by Forbes, stands at $15.5 billion.

Despite his wealth, Durov maintains a minimalist lifestyle, avoiding ownership of substantial assets like real estate or private jets. He has previously stated that his priority is to maintain his freedom, preferring to operate independently without taking orders from any government.

The arrest has raised questions in diplomatic circles, with Russia’s Foreign Ministry seeking clarification and hinting at possible involvement from Western NGOs in Durov’s release. Telegram’s management and the French Interior Ministry have yet to comment on the situation.