Telegram CEO's Arrest Strains French-Russia Relations

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's recent arrest in France over alleged criminal activities on his app has sparked tensions between France and Russia. Durov is under formal investigation for complicity in various illegal activities. The incident has raised significant questions about the responsibility of tech platform leaders.

Telegram boss Pavel Durov's lawyer stated on Thursday that it was "absurd" to hold him accountable for crimes committed via the app. This comes amid escalating tensions between governments and tech giants over platform content. France's arrest of Durov, a first for a messaging platform CEO, has heightened diplomatic strains with Russia.

A French judge placed Durov under formal investigation on Wednesday, suspecting him of complicity in illicit activities like drug trafficking, child abuse images, and fraud. The 39-year-old entrepreneur, who also holds UAE and French citizenship, is additionally suspected of money laundering and providing encrypted communication to criminals.

Commentators have questioned why Durov, aware of the warrant, still came to France. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized Durov's arrest was not politically driven. The Kremlin warned that the prosecution should not escalate into political persecution. Durov, now out on a €5 million bail, faces stringent reporting conditions as investigations proceed.

(With inputs from agencies.)