Telegram messaging app's billionaire founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, was arrested on Saturday evening at Paris' Borguet airport. This information was reported by TF1 TV and BFM TV, citing anonymous sources. According to reports, Durov was traveling to Azerbaijan in his private jet.
He was apprehended following an arrest warrant under a police investigation. This investigation was focused on the lack of moderators on Telegram. Law enforcement believes that the lack of moderation allowed criminal activities to continue unabated on the messaging platform.
Left Russia in 2014
Dubai-based Telegram was founded by Russia-born Durov. He left Russia in 2014 after refusing government demands to suppress opposition voices on his VK social media platform, which he has since sold.
It is worth noting that Telegram, prominent in Russia, Ukraine, and former Soviet countries, is one of the leading social media platforms after Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and WeChat. It aims to reach one billion users by next year.
Key Platform for Russia-Ukraine War Content
Telegram has not yet commented on the matter. Similarly, there has been no comment from France's Ministry of the Interior and the police. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Telegram has become the major platform for 'unfiltered content' related to the politics of the war from both sides.
Used by Both Russian and Ukrainian Governments
The messaging app is also the primary means of communication for Ukrainian President Zelensky and his officials. The Kremlin and Russian government also use it to share their news. Telegram has become one of the few platforms where Russian war-related content can be accessed.
