Telegram Defends Durov: ‘Nothing To Hide’ Over France Arrest

Telegram Defends Durov: ‘Nothing To Hide’ Over France Arrest

The Russian-born founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, has been held in custody in France for a second day of questioning related to alleged offenses associated with the messaging app. Telegram, however, insists that Durov has “nothing to hide.”

Durov, who is 39 years old, was arrested after arriving at Le Bourget airport outside Paris on Saturday. His detention has been extended by the investigating magistrate, who is handling the case, and could last up to 96 hours. Following this, the judge will decide whether to release Durov or press charges and remand him in further custody.

The arrest warrant for Durov, issued by France’s Office for the Prevention of Violence Against Minors (OFMIN), cites alleged offenses including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and promotion of terrorism. Durov is accused of failing to take sufficient action to curb criminal activities on Telegram.

Telegram responded by stating, “Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe,” emphasizing that Telegram adheres to EU laws, including the Digital Services Act, and that its moderation practices are within industry standards.

The arrest has sparked international reactions, with Russia accusing France of refusing to cooperate and Elon Musk calling for Durov’s release. Durov, who holds multiple nationalities, including French, had arrived in Paris from Baku, Azerbaijan, intending to dine in the French capital.

The controversy has raised questions about why Durov flew into France despite potentially knowing he was wanted in the country. A source close to the case speculated, “Perhaps he had a feeling of impunity.”

Telegram, an encrypted messaging app based in Dubai, has positioned itself as a “neutral” alternative to US-owned platforms. The app plays a key role in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, used by both Ukrainian officials and Russian “Z-bloggers” who support the war.

Durov, in a rare interview earlier this year, insisted that his priority was freedom, stating, “My mission in life was to allow other people to also become free… and using the platforms that we created my hope was that they could express their freedoms.”