Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram’s encrypted messaging app, was arrested on Saturday evening as he disembarked from his private jet at Le Bourget airport in France. T
The 39-year-old Franco-Russian, accompanied by his bodyguard and a woman, was apprehended by French gendarmes, French Tf1info reported.
Durov, who had arrived directly from Azerbaijan, was subject to a French arrest warrant issued based on a preliminary investigation into his alleged involvement in drug trafficking, child sexual abuse, and fraud.
Investigators believe Telegram’s lack of moderation, cooperation with law enforcement, and features such as disposable numbers and cryptocurrencies have made it a haven for criminal activity.
Durov, known to travel to countries where Telegram is not under surveillance, was taken into custody after being notified of the warrant.
He is expected to appear before a judge on Sunday and could face a multitude of charges, including terrorism, narcotics trafficking, conspiracy, fraud, money laundering, receiving stolen goods, and possession of child sexual abuse material.
As of 2021, Russian-born and raised Pavel Durov was granted Emirati citizenship. He operates Telegram from the British Virgin Islands but day-to-day operations are run from Dubai.
According to Forbes estimates, Pavel Durov’s net worth today exceeds $15 billion.
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