According to TV reports, the billionaire CEO was the subject of an arrest order while flying in his private jet. Durov was taken into custody at about eight of the clock at night while flying from Azerbaijan, according to TF1.
Who is Pavel Durov ?
Pavel Durov is a well-known Russian researcher and entrepreneur who co–founded the well-known social media network VKontakte, also known as VK. In addition, he developed the secure messaging software Telegram, and he has won praise for his support of cybersecurity and internet freedom.
The millionaire co–founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, was taken into custody on Saturday night at the Bourget airport south of Paris, according to TF1 TV.
What is Telegram ?
With the well-known messaging software Telegram, users may share files, make audio and video calls, and send and receive encrypted messages. Since its 2013 introduction, Pavel Durov’s creation has built up an important global user base.
Telegram is renowned for its end-to-end encryption, which restricts message reading to the sender and intended recipient only. In addition, it provides group chats, stickers, and other features that set it apart from other messaging services like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp.
Particularly in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states, Telegram is widely used. After Mr. Durov refused to give up user data, the app was blocked in Russia in 2018, however the restriction was removed in 2021.
The messaging app comes in second place among the most popular social media networks, right after WeChat, Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok.
Why subject to Arrest ?
According to TF1’s website, Durov was travelling in his private plane. It also stated that he was the subject of a French arrest warrant as part of an initial police investigation.
TF1 and BFM both said the investigation was focused on a lack of moderators on Telegram, and that police considered that this situation allowed criminal activity to go on undeterred on the messaging app.
After the Kremlin increased restrictions on alternative media following its invasion of Ukraine, Telegram—which enables users to avoid official scrutiny—has emerged as one of the only locations where Russians may obtain independent news about the war.
However, because to security and data breach worries, several European nations, including France, have begun to closely monitor Telegram as its popularity grows.
The state news agency TASS reports that the Russian embassy in France is taking “immediate” steps to provide clarification on the matter. They also mentioned that his team had not been in touch with them.
