The judicial authorities in France confirmed on Sunday the arrest of Pavel Durov, the CEO and founder of the Telegram messaging app, and extended the Russian tech entrepreneur's detention, AFP has reported, citing a source close to the investigation.
The detention of the 39-year-old Russian citizen, who also holds citizenship of France, the UAE and Saint Kitts and Nevis, was reportedly extended beyond Sunday night by the investigating magistrate.
The detention period for initial interrogation is limited to 96 hours in France; however, it can be extended to 144 hours for serious offences such as drug trafficking and terrorism. During the detention phase, the judge must either press charges and remand in further custody, or release the detainee.
Officials speaking on condition of anonymity told the French news agency that the arrest warrant was issued by France’s OFMIN, the agency tasked with combating violence against minors, to conduct a preliminary probe into alleged fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and promotion of terrorism.
Reuters also reported, citing unnamed sources, that a cybersecurity gendarmerie unit and the national anti-fraud police are leading the investigation.
The Paris prosecutor’s office told RT that a press release concerning the case will be issued later on Monday.
French media had previously reported that Durov’s detention at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on Saturday was related to alleged offenses regarding Telegram. The reports indicated that the authorities believe he is complicit in a range of crimes allegedly committed via the social media app due to insufficient moderation.
Telegram, which has approximately 1 billion active monthly users, was created by Durov and his brother in 2013 in Russia. The entrepreneur left Russia in the mid-2010s and settled in Dubai. He was granted French citizenship in 2021.
Commenting on Durov’s arrest, Telegram said the platform “abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act – its moderation is within industry standards,” adding that claims that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse committed by users are “absurd.”