Pavel Durov, the entrepreneur and co-founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, has reportedly been arrested by French police after his private jet landed at Le Bourget Airport. According to a report from TF1info.fr, French authorities took Durov into custody based on a pre-existing search warrant issued by the National Directorate of the French Judicial Police (OFMIN).
Durov’s arrest is linked to a preliminary investigation into Telegram’s alleged involvement in facilitating criminal activities. French authorities are particularly concerned about the platform’s minimal moderation, limited cooperation with law enforcement, and features that promote anonymity.
Telegram offers features such as disposable phone numbers and cryptocurrency payments that are being used by several people to be anonymous on the platform. So, criminals are also using it for serious crimes, including drug trafficking, pedophilia, and fraud. The arrest warrant was only effective while Durov was on French soil.
Currently, Durov is in police custody and could face several charges, including terrorism, drug trafficking, complicity in crime, fraud, money laundering, and harboring stolen goods. The National Anti-Fraud Office (ONAF) is overseeing the investigation.
Telegram has faced criticism for enabling illegal activities for some time. The platform is under scrutiny for unauthorized broadcasting of Ligue 1 football matches, but the main concern revolves around organized crime networks and pedophiles who misuse Telegram’s encryption to share sensitive content. Investigators have labeled Telegram as “the number one platform for organized crime.”
Durov’s arrest marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle between tech companies and governments trying to balance user privacy with national security. The tech community is closely watching how French authorities handle this case, as it may have important implications for internet freedom and privacy worldwide.
