Who is Telegram founder Pavel Durov — and why was he arrested?

Chief executive officer of Telegram Pavel Durov was arrested at an airport on Saturday night outside Paris and placed in custody for alleged offences related to the messaging app, according to French media.

The 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire was reportedly accused of failing to mitigate the misuse of his platform for criminal activities.

France’s OFMIN, which is responsible for safeguarding minors from violence, issued an arrest warrant for Durov over accusations of organized crime, drug trafficking, fraud, cyberbullying, and the promotion of terrorism on his platform, news agency AFP reported citing a source.

The messaging app, which has about 800 million users, is popular in Russia as well as Ukraine.

Following news of Durov’s detention, Russia’s embassy in France said it had “immediately asked the French authorities for clarification of the reasons and demanded to ensure the protection of his rights and provide consular access.” The message posted on Telegram said the embassy officials were in contact with Durov’s lawyer.

Here’s all you need to know about Durov:

• In an interview with American commentator Tucker Carlson this year, Durov cited how he prioritizes freedom — freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and a free market — whether it be his decision to leave VK over a decade ago, or his personal life, freedom comes first.
• He founded Telegram in 2013, marketing it as an uncensored and neutral platform, accessible to people from all walks of life and views.