Telegram founder arrested

According to local media, Pavel Durov, founder of the Telegram application, was arrested at Paris-Le Bourget airport at around 8pm on August 24 (local time). At that time, Mr. Durov had just landed after a flight from Azerbaijan. The 39-year-old man was accompanied by a woman and his bodyguard.

The stationsTF1andBFMThe investigation is focused on a lack of moderators on Telegram, which police say has allowed criminal activity to go unchecked on the messaging app.

In addition, Mr. Durov is also accused of complicity in drug trafficking, pedophilia and fraud, the news agency noted.

Television stationTF1Durov is due to appear in court on August 25. He could face up to 20 years in prison.

Because he is a French citizen, Telegram's founder could also face other charges related to EU sanctions against Moscow over his connections in Russia.

The arrest warrant for Durov is valid only on French territory.

"He made a mistake tonight. We don't know why", a source close to the investigation toldTF1-LCI."He will be held in custody on all charges."

After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Telegram became a major source of uncensored, sometimes misleading, content from both sides about the fighting and the political situation surrounding the conflict, according to Reuters.

The app has become a favorite media outlet for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his officials, and is also used by the Kremlin and the Russian government to broadcast news.