Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of the encrypted messaging platform Telegram, was arrested on Saturday evening at Paris Le Bourget Airport, French TV channel TF1 reported
Durov arrived in France from Azerbaijan with his girlfriend and personal security guard. He was detained by French security forces at the airport as he disembarked from his private jet, following the issuance of an arrest warrant.
TF1 indicated that the arrest warrant was issued due to Durov’s alleged lack of cooperation with French security forces, making him a suspect in drug trafficking and other serious crimes.
The channel noted that the main complaint from European authorities against Telegram involves encrypted messages.
An investigator stated, “Over the years, this has become the leading platform for organized crime.”
A source close to the case added, “His platform has allowed countless offenses and crimes to occur.”
TF1 also mentioned that the charges being filed against Durov might be related to terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, and crimes against children.
The channel reported that Durov faces up to 20 years in prison in France. He will appear in court on Sunday as a French citizen to face the charges.
Durov holds both French and Russian citizenship.
