Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Arrested in France

FRANCE: Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of the popular encrypted messaging app Telegram, has reportedly been arrested in France.

The 39-year-old tech entrepreneur, who holds Franco-Russian citizenship, was detained by authorities shortly after landing at Le Bourget airport, located just outside Paris, according to local news outlet BFMTV.

Durov had just arrived via private jet when French authorities moved in to arrest him. BFMTV, citing an unnamed source, reported that Durov was the subject of an active search warrant in France, though the specifics of the warrant remain unclear.

Telegram, the messaging app founded by Durov, is renowned for its commitment to user privacy. Offering end-to-end encryption for calls and “secret chats,” the app ensures that data can only be accessed by the intended users. With nearly one billion users worldwide, Telegram is among the most downloaded apps globally, with Durov emphasizing its dedication to privacy in a statement made in July.

As of now, French authorities have not released an official statement regarding Durov’s arrest, and the reasons behind the search warrant are yet to be disclosed.

The arrest of such a high-profile figure is expected to draw significant attention, particularly given Durov’s outspoken stance on privacy and digital rights.