Macron Unaware of Telegram Boss Pavel Durov's Arrival in France

President Emmanuel Macron was unaware of Telegram owner Pavel Durov's arrival and arrest in France. Macron defended France's decision to grant citizenship to Durov despite his alleged criminal activities. Durov is under investigation for suspected involvement in illegal online platforms.

In a news conference during his two-day visit to Serbia, French President Emmanuel Macron stated that he was unaware of Telegram owner Pavel Durov's arrival in France on Saturday. Macron emphasized it's common not to be informed about the movements of global citizens.

Durov was detained by French police upon landing near Paris. A judge placed him under formal investigation for alleged complicity in managing an online platform that facilitates illicit transactions, child sex abuse, drug trafficking, and fraud. Durov holds both French and UAE citizenship.

Defending France's 2021 decision to grant Durov citizenship, Macron said, "It is a strategy to allow individuals, whether artists, athletes, or entrepreneurs who contribute to the nation's wealth and innovation, to be given French nationality."

(With inputs from agencies.)