Telegram CEO arrested at Paris airport
2024-Aug-26 19:00
Pavel Durov (PNA/IRNA)
TEHRAN – Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, was arrested at Paris Le Bourget Airport for allegedly enabling criminal activity with his encrypted messaging app, French media reported.
French TV channel TF1 reported Sunday morning that 39-year-old Durov was detained as he disembarked from his private jet, following an arrest warrant issued by authorities.
The arrest reportedly occurred at 8 p.m. (local time) and was seen being escorted by bodyguards.
Unconfirmed reports said French secret service agents carried out the operation.
The charges were not officially disclosed but reports said the arrest warrant was in connection with drug trafficking, crimes against children and fraud.
In 2013, Durov founded Telegram Messenger with his brother Nikolai.
The Russian-born boss of Telegram, which he says boasts over 900 million users, is currently based in Dubai. He became a naturalized French citizen in August 2021. (PNA)