Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested in France on August 24, 2024. He was apprehended by French authorities at Le Bourget airport near Paris as he disembarked from his private jet. Durov’s arrest was based on a warrant related to various alleged criminal activities linked to his messaging platform, including drug trafficking, fraud, child sexual abuse, and even terrorism.
French investigators accuse Durov of failing to prevent the misuse of Telegram for illegal activities, citing its features like disposable numbers and cryptocurrencies that allegedly made the platform attractive for criminals. His arrest marks a significant moment, as Telegram has often been scrutinized for its role in enabling unregulated communication, especially in conflict zones and among criminal networks.
Durov, who holds both French and Emirati citizenship, is expected to appear before a French court to face multiple charges. His arrest has prompted a response from Russian authorities, given his importance in the digital communication space in Russia and globally
In response to Durov’s arrest, Elon Musk has taken to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), calling for his release with the hashtag #FreePavel. Musk’s involvement has amplified the conversation around Durov’s detention, with the hashtag quickly gaining traction among users
