Telegram founder Pavel Durov, detained in Paris, faces serious charges

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, a network messenger that allows the sending of encrypted messages, was detained on Saturday evening at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. The French justice system wanted the Russian citizen for allegedly supporting criminal activities.

Durov, accused of not cooperating with law enforcement in connection with the operation of Telegram, which criminals use, flew to Paris from Azerbaijan. He was detained at Le Bourget Airport in France.

Durov holds a French passport and is under investigation in France. The 39-year-old is suspected of supporting illegal activities.

The Telegram channel he created has become a platform for organized crime. On Sunday, Durow may face charges related to a series of crimes, including terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering, and the distribution of pedophilic content.

After the charges are presented, the Telegram creator is expected to be temporarily detained. According to the French TF1 agency, his guilt lies in allegedly allowing countless offences and crimes to be committed on his platform and doing nothing to mitigate them. He also did not cooperate with law enforcement.

French media are surprised that Durow, knowing the possibility of detention, came to France. Until now, he had avoided this destination, travelling instead to the United Arab Emirates, countries of the former USSR, or South American countries.

Durow created the Telegram application 11 years ago. Earlier, he attempted to launch a "Russian Facebook," but his actions—according to PAP—were thwarted by Vladimir Putin's allies. He then left Russia and obtained citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

His company, Telegram Group Inc., is registered in the British Virgin Islands. Meanwhile, the mobile application is issued by Telegram FZ-LLC, a company registered in the United Arab Emirates. According to Forbes, Durow's wealth is estimated at 15.1 billion dollars (CAD 20.4 billion).