Pavel Durov, the Russian-born billionaire and founder of the Telegram messaging app, found himself in a precarious situation upon landing at Le Bourget airport near Paris on Saturday. Shortly after disembarking from his private jet, he was taken into custody, as confirmed by three sources speaking to Reuters. The 39-year-old entrepreneur’s arrest has sparked significant reactions, including a stern warning from Moscow urging Paris to respect his rights, and criticism from Elon Musk, who voiced concerns over the state of free speech in Europe.
While French authorities have yet to officially confirm the arrest, two police sources and a Russian insider indicated that Durov was detained due to an existing arrest warrant in France. Reports suggest that police acted swiftly upon noticing his name on the passenger list prior to the jet’s arrival from Azerbaijan.
In a statement regarding the incident, Telegram emphasized its compliance with EU regulations, asserting that its moderation practices align with industry standards and are continuously evolving. The company stated, “Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act — its moderation is within industry standards and constantly improving.”
The arrest of @Durov is an assault on the basic human rights of speech and association. I am surprised and deeply saddened that Macron has descended to the level of taking hostages as a means for gaining access to private communications. It lowers not only France, but the world.—@Snowden
Telegram further defended Durov, declaring, “Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe. It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.” The investigation into Durov’s activities reportedly stems from allegations that Telegram has facilitated various crimes due to insufficient moderation and a lack of cooperation with law enforcement.
‘Virtual battlefield’
With an estimated net worth of .5 billion, Durov has previously expressed his desire for Telegram to remain a neutral platform, free from geopolitical entanglements. He conceptualized the encrypted messaging service while facing mounting pressure in Russia, with his brother Nikolai developing its encryption technology.
Telegram, which boasts nearly one billion users, has emerged as a significant player in the realm of social media, particularly in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet republics. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the platform has become a vital source of unfiltered information, often described by analysts as a “virtual battlefield” for the ongoing conflict.
In light of Durov’s arrest, Russia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has demanded access to him, emphasizing his French citizenship. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev remarked that Durov’s decision to leave Russia may have been a miscalculation, suggesting that he underestimated the implications of his actions.
Platform under scrutiny
Telegram has consistently maintained its commitment to user privacy and human rights, including freedom of speech. Durov has previously accused U.S. law enforcement of attempting to gain unauthorized access to the platform, a claim that has not been officially addressed by the FBI.
As Telegram’s popularity continues to rise, it faces increasing scrutiny from various European nations, particularly concerning security and data privacy issues. Musk’s comments following Durov’s detention highlight a growing concern over the state of free expression in Europe, as he remarked, “It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme.” Meanwhile, outside the French Embassy in Moscow, a solitary protester held a sign proclaiming, “Liberté pour Pavel Durov.”
