Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of the Telegram and VK from Russia, has been arrested and detained by French police after arriving in Paris by private jet on Saturday. Durov, who acquired French citizenship in 2021, was apprehended at Paris-Le Bourget Airport at approximately 8:00 PM local time, according to an LCI report.
He is also a citizen of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saint Kitts and Nevis, and his native country, Russia. His jet arrived in the French capital from Azerbaijan. The 39-year-old was accompanied by a woman and his bodyguard.
Citing an LCI report, French authorities issued an arrest warrant for the tech entrepreneur as part of a preliminary investigation. The report indicated that Paris believes Telegram’s inadequate moderation, its encryption tools, and alleged lack of cooperation with law enforcement may implicate Durov in drug trafficking, pedophilia offenses, and fraud.
Another report from TF1 claimed that Durov would appear before a judge tonight. He could face up to 20 years in prison. As he is also a French citizen, the founder might face charges for violating European Union sanctions imposed on Moscow due to his contacts in Russia. Durov’s arrest warrant is only valid within French territory. “He made a mistake tonight. We don’t know why,” a source close to the investigation told TF1. “In any case, he is in custody.”
