Paris, France. Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris after arriving on a private jet from Azerbaijan. The arrest, which took place around 8 p.m. on Saturday, has shocked the tech world and raised questions about Durov's ongoing legal challenges and life in exile.

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The 39-year-old billionaire, who has been living in self-imposed exile since 2014, was reportedly detained by French gendarmes from the Air Transport Gendarmerie (GTA). Durov, accompanied by his bodyguard and a woman, was apprehended due to a search warrant issued by French authorities as part of a preliminary investigation. The arrest was linked to allegations involving Telegram's lack of cooperation with law enforcement, which has made the platform a tool for illicit activities such as drug trafficking, fraud, and other crimes.


Durov's troubles began in his homeland, Russia, where he founded the social networking site VKontakte (VK), often referred to as "Russia's Facebook." Under his leadership, VK quickly became the most popular social network in Russia. However, Durov's refusal to comply with the Russian government's demands for censorship and user data led to significant conflicts.

In 2011-2012, during anti-Putin protests, Russian authorities demanded that Durov hand over personal data of protest organizers and shut down opposition groups on VK. Durov refused, putting him at odds with the Kremlin. This defiance escalated in 2014 when Durov was pressured to block a VK group supporting the Ukrainian Euromaidan protests and to hand over the data of Ukrainian users to the FSB, Russia's Federal Security Service.

Facing increasing pressure, Durov was forced to sell his shares in VK and resign as CEO. Shortly afterward, he fled Russia, stating that the country was "incompatible with internet business at the moment." Since then, Durov has lived a nomadic lifestyle, residing in various countries and becoming a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis through an economic citizenship program.


Durov has remained a vocal advocate for privacy and freedom of speech, principles that are core to Telegram's design but often clash with government regulations. Telegram, launched by Durov and his brother Nikolai in 2013, is known for its strong encryption and privacy features, which have made it a popular choice for users worldwide, including dissidents and activists. However, these same features have attracted criticism from governments, including Russia, which has attempted to block the app.

Since his exile, Durov has largely avoided traveling to Europe, fearing legal repercussions. He has spent much of his time in the United Arab Emirates, South America, and former Soviet Union countries, all while continuing to oversee Telegram's operations. His latest trip to France, where he was arrested, is notable as he had been avoiding countries where Telegram is under scrutiny.


Durov's arrest marks a significant moment in his ongoing struggle with various governments over Telegram's operations. French authorities have indicated that Durov could face charges related to terrorism, narcotics, complicity, fraud, money laundering, and distributing pedocriminal content. These allegations, if proven, could have severe implications for both Durov and Telegram.

Durov is expected to appear before an investigative judge, where he may be formally indicted. The outcome of this legal battle could determine the future of Telegram and Durov's ability to continue his work as a tech entrepreneur.

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