Telegram founder Pavel Durov faces cyber crime, fraud probe in France
Founder and CEO of Telegram Pavel Durov delivers a keynote speech during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain February 23, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov is still in custody in France and is being investigated by the national cyber crime unit and the national fraud office, a French police spokesman said on Monday.
Durov is accused of being passive with regard to cyber and financial crimes being committed on the Telegram platform, the spokesperson said.
Durov, 39, was arrested at Le Bourget airport outside Paris shortly after landing on a private jet late on Saturday.
According to Reuters, Durov's arrest was based on an outstanding warrant in France. The investigation is led by a specialised cybersecurity unit and the national anti-fraud police, under the supervision of a judge with expertise in organised crime.
Following the arrest, the Russian government issued a warning to France, demanding that Durov be afforded his legal rights.
Russia's foreign ministry also requested access to Durov, despite his French citizenship. Russian lawmaker Maria Butina labelled Durov a 'political prisoner,' claiming his arrest was part of a Western 'witch-hunt.'
Read also: Who is Pavel Durov? The $15B Telegram founder and father of over 100 children
In response, Telegram released a statement asserting that it complies with European Union laws, including the Digital Services Act.
The company defended Durov, stating that he has nothing to hide and frequently travels across Europe.
Telegram rejected claims that the platform or its owner should be held accountable for any misuse of the service, reaffirming its commitment to user privacy and free speech.
Founded by Durov in 2013 after leaving Russia due to government pressure to shut down opposition groups on VK, Telegram has grown into one of the most influential messaging apps, with close to 1 billion users.
The platform has played a crucial role during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, providing unfiltered content from both sides of the conflict.
However, its rising popularity has drawn scrutiny from European governments over concerns about security and data breaches.