According to sources close to the investigation, Durov is being investigated for 12 offenses connected to his failure to stop extremist content on Telegram as part of a confidential probe launched on July 8.
Ten years ago, as he was preparing to leave his home country of Russia, the computer magnate established Telegram. With over 900 million users, the app has experienced exponential growth in its user base.
Durov is a mysterious man who doesn’t often speak in public. He is a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, France, and Russia, where Telegram is headquartered.
Forbes magazine pegs his net worth at $15.5 billion, despite the fact that he loudly extols the benefits of leading an austere lifestyle that forgoes coffee and ice cream.
The circumstances and timing of Durov’s arrest have drawn a lot of attention; in particular, many have questioned why he appeared to know that he had a warrant out for his arrest when he boarded a flight into Paris.
French President Emmanuel Macron has defended Durov’s arrest as part of an ongoing judicial investigation, stating it is not a political decision. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized the serious charges and the need for no less serious evidence. The UAE is closely following the case and has requested consular access for its citizens.
The examining magistrate has two options when Durov’s first 96 hours of questioning are up: file charges and keep him under detention, or release him.
Russian entrepreneur Durov, based in Dubai, has been arrested in Paris for alleged crimes including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organised crime, and terrorism. France’s OFMIN issued an arrest warrant for Durov, who has been accompanied by a bodyguard and personal assistant. Telegram, which operates in Europe, has stated that Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently.
“It is ludicrous to hold a platform or its proprietor accountable for misuse of that platform.”
As a “neutral” substitute for US-owned networks, which have come under fire for using user data for profit, Telegram has positioned itself.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, it has also been crucial, being aggressively utilized by politicians and pundits on opposing sides of the conflict.
However, detractors accuse Facebook of hosting content that is frequently unlawful, ranging from violent sexual imagery to false information and drug services.
