Telegram Founder Durov Arrested in France, Sources Say

By Ingrid Melander and Guy Faulconbridge

PARIS/MOSCOW – Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of the Telegram messaging app, was detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris shortly after arriving on a private jet late on Saturday, as confirmed by multiple sources.

Durov’s arrest, which occurred on Sunday, sparked a warning from Moscow directed at Paris to ensure he is afforded his rights, alongside criticism from Elon Musk who claimed that free speech is under threat in Europe.

While there has been no official acknowledgment from French authorities, several police sources indicated that Durov was apprehended following the discovery of his name on the passenger list prior to his flight’s arrival. This led police to act due to an existing arrest warrant against him in France.

In a statement about the situation, Telegram asserted that it complies with EU regulations, including the Digital Services Act, and that its moderation practices are continually evolving and adhere to industry standards. The company emphasized Durov’s commitment to user safeguarding, asserting that he frequently travels within Europe and dismissing claims that the platform’s ownership bears responsibility for its misuse.

Durov was reportedly detained as part of an initial police inquiry into allegations of failing to manage criminal activities on Telegram effectively and not cooperating with law enforcement agencies. A specialized cybersecurity gendarmerie unit and France’s national anti-fraud police are leading the investigation, focusing on organized crime.

Telegram expressed hope for a swift resolution to the incident, reiterating its support for Durov. Various French governmental offices, including the Interior Ministry and the Paris prosecutor’s office, declined to comment.

Opinions regarding Durov’s arrest vary widely. Russian lawmaker Maria Butina, who spent time in a U.S. prison, labeled him a political prisoner, claiming he is facing persecution from Western authorities. Durov’s arrest has been prominently covered in Russian news outlets.

Founded by Durov, Telegram functions from Dubai and has grown to nearly 1 billion users, gaining notable traction across Russia, Ukraine, and former Soviet states. Durov, who reportedly has a net worth of approximately $15.5 billion, previously stated that various governments have pressured him, emphasizing that the messaging platform should remain neutral in geopolitical matters.

Durov envisioned an encrypted messaging application during his time in Russia under government pressure. He left the country in 2014 after refusing to comply with orders to dismantle opposition groups on his VK social media platform.

Since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Telegram has transformed into a key medium for unfiltered information, often hosting graphic and controversial content from both sides, with significant usage by political figures, including Ukraine’s President and the Russian government.

Following Durov’s arrest, Russia’s foreign ministry requested access to him, asserting his French citizenship, while former President Dmitry Medvedev criticized Durov’s decision to leave Russia, suggesting he significantly miscalculated by thinking he could evade security service cooperation abroad.

Russia enacted a ban on Telegram in 2018 after the platform resisted a court order to allow state security access to users’ encrypted messages. Despite the ban, Telegram has remained widely available in the country and has been a point of contention, drawing protests and criticism from NGOs.

The platform is currently facing increased scrutiny from several European nations over security and privacy concerns, with Musk reflecting on Durov’s situation by suggesting that Europe has entered an era of extreme suppression of free expression.

In a display of solidarity, a protester outside the French embassy in Moscow called for Durov’s release, holding a sign that proclaimed "Liberté pour Pavel Durov".