Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Arrested in France Amid Cyber Crime Probe

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has been arrested in France as part of a judicial investigation into cyber and financial crimes. French President Macron confirmed that the arrest was not politically motivated. Durov, who has dual French and UAE citizenship, remains in custody while the investigation continues.

Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of messaging app Telegram, has been detained in France amid an ongoing judicial investigation. French President Emmanuel Macron clarified on Monday that the arrest bears no political undertones.

Macron's statement on X marked the first official confirmation of Durov's detention, which occurred nearly 48 hours prior at Le Bourget airport near Paris. The president urged the public to disregard false information regarding France's role in the arrest, emphasizing that the decision rests entirely with judicial authorities.

The police have indicated that Durov is under scrutiny by national cyber crime and fraud units for his non-cooperation in cyber and financial crimes linked to Telegram. Durov, a wealthy entrepreneur with dual French and UAE citizenship, is still being held in custody as investigations proceed. Known for his stance against political influence over Telegram, Durov has a net worth estimated at $15.5 billion.

(With inputs from agencies.)