Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the encrypted messaging service Telegram, was arrested this evening at Le Bourget airport in Paris. French authorities are also conducting searches at Durov’s properties, according to sources.
The 39-year-old Franco-Russian was taken into custody by Air Transport Gendarmerie officers around 8pm as he disembarked his private jet. He was accompanied by his bodyguard and a woman.
Durov had arrived from Azerbaijan and was subject to a French search warrant issued by the national directorate of the French judicial police. He is reportedly listed in the wanted persons file (FPR).
The reason for Durov’s arrest and the nature of the investigation remain unclear at this time. This is a developing story and more information will be provided as it becomes available.
The detention is allegedly due to illegal content allowed on Telegram.
Investigators from ONAF (National Anti-Fraud Office attached to the Customs Directorate) notified him and placed him in police custody. He should be presented to an investigating judge this Saturday evening before a possible indictment on Sunday for a multitude of offences: terrorism, narcotics, complicity, fraud, money laundering, receiving stolen goods, pedocriminal content etc.
