Free speech: Founder and CEO of Telegram arrested at French airport on multiple charges
The arrest was made based on a warrant related to alleged crimes involving the messaging platform, according to reports from the AFP news agency, which cited anonymous officials.
French broadcaster TF1 reported that Durov, who was flying from Azerbaijan aboard his private jet, was apprehended at approximately 8 p.m. local time (1800 GMT).
Durov is scheduled to appear in court on Sunday.
Why is Durov under investigation?
Durov is being investigated for allegedly failing to implement measures to prevent criminal activity on Telegram.
The French agency OFMIN, responsible for protecting minors from violence, had issued the arrest warrant as part of a preliminary inquiry into suspected offenses such as fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and terrorism promotion, according to a source involved in the case.
"Telegram's era of impunity must end," one investigator stated, adding that authorities were surprised Durov visited Paris despite being aware of the warrant for his arrest.
"He made a big mistake this evening," a source close to the investigation told TF1. "We don't know why... Was this flight just a stopover? In any case, he's in custody."
TF1 said that investigators from France's anti-fraud directorate placed Durov in custody, and the CEO will appear before a judge on Saturday night before a possible indictment on Sunday. The alleged offenses include: terrorism, narcotic supply, fraud, money laundering, receiving stolen goods and others.
TF1 claimed the businessman could face up to 20 years in prison.
Sources: Deutsche Welle / The Jerusalem Post
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