This arrest was part of an investigation into Telegram’s content monitoring system, which has over 950 million users. French authorities believe that the app has not taken adequate measures to prevent crimes such as drug trafficking, the trading of sexual images involving minors, and fraud, and did not cooperate properly with law enforcement investigations.
As of the 25th, it has not been disclosed which French agency detained Durov or what specific charges he faces. The Paris Prosecutor’s Office declined to comment to The New York Times (NYT), citing that it is an ongoing investigation.
Durov’s lawyer reportedly criticized the actions of the French authorities harshly, stating that Durov’s arrest was akin to blaming the manufacturer of a car used in drug transport.
The Russian Embassy in France stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that they requested an explanation for Durov’s arrest but have yet to receive a response.
Reuters reported, citing local media, that Durov may face prosecution in the future. France’s AFP news agency stated that he is expected to appear in court within the next few days.
Assets Worth 2.2 Trillion Yen
Forbes estimates Durov’s net worth at approximately $15.5 billion (around 2.23 trillion yen), ranking him as the 150th richest person in the world as of the 25th.
Telegram, launched by Durov in 2013 a few years after he founded Russia’s largest social network, Vkontakte, is a messaging platform that competes with apps like WhatsApp and Signal, providing end-to-end encrypted messaging. Messages on this app cannot be accessed by anyone other than the sender and recipient.
Additionally, Telegram became an important means of communication after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, and is used by leaders in both Russia and Ukraine. While the app has faced criticism for its lax content monitoring, Durov argues that this is a measure to protect freedom of speech and privacy (Telegram claims to block terrorist groups).
Born in Russia, Durov fled the country in 2014, with the NYT reporting that he refused demands from the Russian government to provide data on Ukrainian activists or shut down opposition communities on Vkontakte.
Durov holds citizenship in France and the United Arab Emirates, and Telegram is currently based in Dubai. According to Reuters, Telegram was banned in Russia in 2018 for refusing to comply with requests for user data from Russian authorities. However, this ban was reportedly lifted in 2020.
Durov’s arrest has drawn criticism from other social media executives as well. Elon Musk posted a video praising Durov with the caption #FreePavel. Chris Pavlovsky, CEO of the conservative video-sharing site Rumble, stated that the French authorities crossed a line with Durov’s arrest.