Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Arrested in France Amid Cyber Crime Investigation

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, was detained in France as part of a judicial investigation with no political motive, as confirmed by President Macron. Durov is investigated for non-cooperation over cyber and financial crimes on Telegram. His arrest has sparked critiques and raised tensions between France and Russia.

Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of Telegram, was arrested in France as part of an ongoing judicial probe, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed on Monday. Macron emphasized that the arrest was purely judicial, dismissing any political motivations behind it.

Durov's detention at Le Bourget airport two days prior had fueled speculation until Macron's statement. According to a police spokesman, he is under investigation for failing to cooperate in inquiries concerning cyber and financial crimes on Telegram, a widely-used messaging platform. Durov remains in custody as the investigation continues.

This arrest has stirred criticism, notably from Elon Musk, and has intensified tensions between France and Russia. Durov, a significant figure in tech with dual citizenship in France and the UAE, has been a vocal proponent of maintaining Telegram as a neutral platform amid growing global scrutiny.

(With inputs from agencies.)