- Sources claim Durov detained at French airport
- Elon Musk tweets #FreePavel
August 25 2024 09:04:26 UTC– Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was reportedly arrested at a French airport upon disembarking from his private jet, according to sources cited by AFP and other French media outlets. The reports state that Durov, the sole owner of Telegram and a Russian-born entrepreneur currently residing in Dubai, was detained by French authorities.
Elon Musk reacted to the news, tweeting in support of his competitor #freepavel
Durov, who manages the messaging app Telegram from Dubai, has yet to issue a formal response to these allegations. Telegram did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters regarding the incident. Meanwhile, the French Interior Ministry and police have declined to comment on the matter.
This development marks a significant moment for Durov, who has maintained a relatively low profile despite his platform’s substantial global user base. Telegram, known for its strong privacy features, has often been at the center of controversies, including clashes with various governments over encryption and user privacy.
As the story unfolds, the circumstances of Durov’s reported detention and the potential legal implications for him and Telegram remain unclear. Further updates are awaited as authorities and Telegram itself may provide additional information.