Telegram CEO arrested in France

Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, has had his detention period extended by French authorities following his arrest at a Paris airport on suspicion of using Telegram to facilitate illegal activity such as drug trafficking and money laundering.

According to the AFP news agency, an investigating magistrate ordered Durov to remain in custody beyond Sunday night. Reports suggested he could be held for a maximum of ninety-six hours of interrogation, after which he might be charged or released from custody.

According to local sources, Durov was on his way from Azerbaijan on his private jet when a French arrest order was issued against him as part of an initial probe.

AFP said the telegram CEO is subjected to an investigation by France’s OFMIN, an organization tasked with preventing violence against minors. The investigation is focused on the charges of fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and promotion of terrorism.

Telegram, in its official statement, said that Durov travels around Europe often and “has nothing to hide.” It further added, “It is absurd to consider that a platform or its owner is accountable for misuse of that platform.”