Telegram Founder Awaiting Outcome Following Arrest in France

Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, is expected to find out on Wednesday if he will face charges or be detained following his arrest by French authorities over alleged violations related to the messaging app.

The 39-year-old Russian-born creator of Telegram, was detained late Saturday at Le Bourget airport near Paris. His initial detention has been extended multiple times but can last no longer than 96 hours. By Wednesday evening, Durov should either be released or appear before a judge to determine further actions.

Durov is under investigation for 12 alleged offenses related to failing to control extremist and criminal content on Telegram, as part of a confidential probe that began on July 8.

The Rise of Telegram

Having founded Telegram while leaving Russia a decade ago, Durov’s app has grown rapidly and now has over 900 million users. A private individual who rarely makes public appearances, Durov holds citizenship in Russia, France, and the United Arab Emirates, where Telegram is based.

Forbes estimates his wealth at $15.5 billion, despite his preference for an ascetic lifestyle that includes ice baths and abstaining from alcohol and coffee.

Questions have arisen about the timing and reasons for Durov’s arrest, especially why he traveled to Paris knowing about the warrant issued against him.

Durov’s Ties with France

Le Monde reported that Durov had met with French President Emmanuel Macron several times before receiving French nationality in 2021 through a special process for those who have made significant contributions to France. The Wall Street Journal noted that during a 2018 lunch, Macron suggested relocating Telegram’s headquarters to Paris, but Durov declined.

Macron Clarifies Durov’s Arrest

In a post on X addressing what he described as “false information” about the case, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Durov’s arrest was “in no way a political decision” and that it was “up to the judges to decide.”

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, speaking from Moscow, remarked that the charges were very serious and required “equally serious evidence.” He warned that lacking proper evidence could be an attempt to restrict communication freedom and intimidate a major company leader.

The UAE has expressed that it is “closely monitoring the situation” and has requested consular access for its citizen.

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, CEO of X, has shown support for Durov by posting under the hashtag #FreePavel.

Durov’s Ties to Russia

Durov, who founded Telegram after leaving Russia due to a dispute over his first venture, VKontakte, reportedly did not leave Russia abruptly. According to Vazhnye Istorii, he visited the country over 50 times between 2015 and 2021.

At the end of the initial 96-hour questioning period, the investigating magistrate can either release Durov or file charges and order his detention.

He could also be released under judicial supervision, which might include restrictions on his movements.

A Dubai Resident’s Planned Dinner in the French Capital Accompanied by Close Aides

Durov, who has been living in Dubai in recent years, arrived in Paris from Baku, Azerbaijan, with plans for a dinner in the French capital, according to a source close to the case. The source, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that he was accompanied by a bodyguard and a personal assistant who always travel with him.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was on a state visit to Azerbaijan on August 18 and 19, but Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has denied that Putin met with Durov.

France’s OFMIN, an office dedicated to preventing violence against minors, issued an arrest warrant for Durov as part of a preliminary investigation into alleged crimes, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and promoting terrorism.

In response, Telegram stated that “Durov has nothing to hide and frequently travels in Europe.” They also added, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.”

Telegram markets itself as a “neutral” alternative to US-based platforms, which have faced criticism for exploiting users’ personal data for commercial gain. The app has been heavily used since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with politicians and commentators from both sides actively using it. However, critics argue that it hosts illegal content, such as extreme sexual imagery, disinformation, and drug-related services.

Read the original article on: TechXplore

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