from Your News:
Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of Telegram, was arrested at a French airport, facing charges linked to allegations of terrorism, fraud, and more, as his conflict with authorities intensifies.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris on Saturday evening as he stepped off his private jet from Azerbaijan. The arrest was carried out by gendarmes from the Air Transport Gendarmerie (GTA) and has sent shockwaves through the tech and privacy communities.
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The 39-year-old Franco-Russian entrepreneur was reportedly traveling with a bodyguard and a woman when he was detained. French outlet TF1 Info reported that Durov’s arrest was linked to a search warrant issued by French authorities as part of a preliminary investigation. The warrant alleges that Telegram’s platform has been used for activities including drug trafficking, pedophilia, fraud, and other criminal offenses, due to the app’s strong privacy features that make it difficult for law enforcement to monitor.
Durov, who has been living in self-imposed exile since 2014 after leaving Russia, has become a controversial figure, known both for his staunch advocacy of privacy and for his clashes with governments around the world. The warrant for his arrest, however, was only valid if he was on French soil, which led to his detainment upon landing.
The French authorities have accused Telegram of enabling criminal activities by providing features such as disposable numbers and cryptocurrency transactions, which are difficult to trace. These accusations could lead to serious charges, including terrorism, narcotics trafficking, complicity in fraud, money laundering, and the distribution of pedocriminal content.
Durov’s legal troubles are not new. His conflict with Russian authorities dates back to his time as CEO of VKontakte (VK), Russia’s most popular social network, which he founded with his brother Nikolai in 2006. During the anti-Putin protests of 2011-2012, Russian authorities demanded that Durov hand over the personal data of protest organizers and shut down opposition groups on VK. Durov’s refusal to comply led to mounting pressure from the government, culminating in his forced resignation from VK in 2014.
Following his departure from VK, Durov turned his focus to Telegram, which he and his brother had launched in 2013. Telegram quickly became known for its robust privacy features, including end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, and large broadcasting channels. These features made Telegram a favorite among users who value privacy, but they also drew criticism from governments that accused the platform of harboring criminals and terrorists.
Durov’s commitment to privacy and resistance to government surveillance has made him a target for authorities, particularly in Russia. After leaving Russia, Durov obtained citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis and adopted a nomadic lifestyle, living in various countries while continuing to manage Telegram.
His arrest in France marks a significant escalation in the legal challenges facing him. French investigators from the National Anti-Fraud Office, linked to the Customs Directorate, are currently holding Durov in custody. He is expected to appear before an investigative judge, where he could be formally indicted on a range of charges.
As Telegram continues to grow in popularity, with over 700 million active users worldwide, Durov’s arrest could have far-reaching implications for the platform and its users. Telegram’s commitment to privacy has been its greatest asset, but it has also brought the company into conflict with governments who view the platform as a haven for illegal activities.
For Durov, this arrest is the latest chapter in a long-standing battle between his ideals of privacy and freedom of speech and the demands of governments for greater control and surveillance. As he awaits his court appearance, the world will be watching to see how this conflict unfolds and what it means for the future of digital privacy.
