Telegram’s Durov Still Detained by French Police, Reports Franceinfo

PARIS (Reuters) – Pavel Durov, a billionaire originally from Russia and the owner of Telegram, remains in detention for questioning by French authorities, according to local news reports. His arrest took place over the weekend.

Reports indicate that Durov’s police custody is ongoing and could extend for up to four days. The Paris public prosecution office has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the situation, and French officials have not confirmed the details of Durov’s arrest.

Sources have indicated that Durov was taken into custody at a private jet airport near Paris due to an existing arrest warrant. The investigation is being led by a specialized cybersecurity unit alongside the national anti-fraud police.

In response to the situation, Telegram issued a statement on Sunday, asserting that Durov has nothing to conceal and frequently travels across Europe. The company criticized the notion that either the platform or its owner could be held accountable for potential misuse.