'Telegram founder Pavel Durov (39) arrested in France'
August 25, 2024
'Telegram founder Pavel Durov (39) arrested in France'
Telegram founder Pavel Durov (39) was arrested Saturday evening at Le Bourget airport in Paris. He was arrested after the French authorities had issued an arrest warrant. The French justice believes that Telegram provides space for crime such as drug trafficking, money laundering, child pornography and crypto fraud. Telegram is also said to be insufficiently cooperating with the investigative services.
Private jet
Durov, founder and CEO of messaging service Telegram, was arrested at Paris airport when he landed there with his private jet, according to French media. He is said to have traveled from Azerbaijan and was arrested after landing. His bodyguard and assistant are also said to have been on the plane.
Russian Durov lives in Dubai. He also has French nationality.
Insufficient moderation
According to the arrest warrant, Telegram did too little to combat illegal activities on the social media network and Durov is held responsible for this. According to the French police, Telegram has become the favorite platform for organized crime in recent years.
Durov knew he was wanted by French authorities, but why he traveled to the country despite this is unclear.
Telegram is owned by the Russian Durov brothers, who also operate the popular Russian VKontakte. Telegram's headquarters are in Dubai.
Poor communication
Outgoing Dutch Minister of Justice and Security Dilan Yesilgöz said late last year that it is impossible for the Dutch police to communicate with chat service Telegram. The company does not respond or 'minimally' to requests for information by the Dutch police, Yesilgöz says in response to parliamentary questions.
Other information suggests that police and intelligence agencies only gain access to Telegram users by hacking into their phones.
https://www.crimesite.nl/telegram-oprichter-pavel-durov-39-opgepakt-in-frankrijk/