Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Detained in France Amid Criminal Investigation

An investigating magistrate ordered that Durov, 39, remain in custody beyond Sunday night, according to a report from the AFP news agency, citing a source close to the investigation. Durov can be held for up to 96 hours, after which he must either be charged or released.

Durov was detained while traveling on his private jet from Azerbaijan, under a French arrest warrant linked to a preliminary investigation. The probe, conducted by France’s OFMIN agency, is focused on alleged offences including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and promotion of terrorism. The investigation reportedly centers on the platform’s lack of moderation.

Telegram has defended its moderation practices, stating that they comply with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act. The platform also asserted that it is unreasonable to hold Durov responsible for misuse of the app by users.

The Russian embassy in France has demanded consular access to Durov, criticizing France for avoiding engagement on the issue. Meanwhile, several Russian bloggers have called for protests outside French embassies worldwide, and Russian officials, including UN representative Mikhail Ulyanov, have condemned the arrest as indicative of a "totalitarian" society.

Durov, who created Telegram with his brother in 2013, left Russia in 2014 and eventually settled in Dubai. The app, which now has nearly 1 billion users, has become a key platform for unfiltered information, particularly during the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The arrest has drawn criticism from various quarters, including tech mogul Elon Musk, who posted a satirical comment on X about the state of freedom in Europe.