Pavel Durov: Telegram CEO's Enigmatic Citizenship Journey and Legal Troubles

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, has acquired multiple citizenships. His French detention raises questions about Telegram's alleged involvement in criminal activities. Despite his wealth and global influence, he faces legal scrutiny and a complex history with Russian authorities. His detention could strain Franco-UAE ties, given his UAE and French citizenships.

Over more than a decade, the founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, has amassed various different citizenships, something that's only added to the mystery surrounding his detention in France.

Those passports provided Durov protection after he created and ran Telegram as a self-proclaimed free-speech absolutist. The app has been used by some to plan protests in repressive governments like in Iran and his native Russia. However, Western governments allege Telegram aided the work of drug traffickers, money launderers, militant groups, and child pornographers.

Durov was detained on Saturday at Le Bourget airport outside Paris as part of a judicial inquiry, and released earlier Wednesday after four days of questioning. Investigative judges filed the preliminary charges and ordered him to pay 5 million euros bail and report to a police station twice a week.

Durov, 39, began seeking other citizenships over a decade ago following a dispute over control of VKontakte. Russian security services had blocked pages connected to a Ukrainian protest movement, prompting Durov to release documents allegedly from the FSB demanding personal data on protest-linked groups.

After resigning from VKontakte, Durov moved to Dubai, obtained a residency visa, and acquired Saint Kitts and Nevis citizenship by contributing $250,000 to the nation's sugar industry. By 2017, Durov was living in Dubai with his wealth estimated by Forbes at $15.5 billion.

The UAE granted Durov citizenship, citing his role in investment and technology. Durov officially became a French citizen in 2021, yet the details remain undisclosed due to privacy practices. His French citizenship appears to fall under the category for "merited foreigners" contributing to the country's global influence.

Durov's meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron focused on developing business activities in France. As France and UAE share close military ties, Durov's legal troubles have sparked concerns over Franco-UAE relations. Despite the scrutiny, Durov continues to maintain a controlled public image.

(With inputs from agencies.)