Telegram founder Pavel Durov was detained at an airport in Le Bourget, a northeastern suburb of Paris on Saturday, and placed in custody, French media reported.
Durov, who holds French citizenship, was detained while disembarking from a private plane that reportedly arrived from Azerbaijan.
The Telegram founder was wanted by French authorities for his involvement in an investigation into crimes against minors. The arrest was made based on a request from the French department responsible for combating these types of crimes.
According to French media, the French justice believes that a number of reasons, including Telegram’s refusal to cooperate with the country’s authorities, make Durov involved in a number of crimes.
It is noted that Durov may face charges on Sunday, including terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud and money laundering.
Durov faces up to 20 years in prison in France, French journalist Cyrille Amoursky claimed.
“He faces up to 20 years in prison, and he will appear in court tomorrow evening,” the journalist said on X.
Durov was aware that he was wanted in France, but arrived the country anyway, an unnamed French investigator told French media.
According to media reports, Durov arrived in France on a private jet from the Azerbaijani capital of Baku, accompanied by a bodyguard and an assistant. Durov intended to spend at least one evening in Paris, where he planned to have dinner, according to reports.
French media indicate that the French justice system accuses Durov of inaction (refusal to moderate and cooperate with investigators) in relation to offenders operating on the Telegram platform.
