Who is Pavel Durov and why is the Telegram founder in legal trouble after his sudden arrest in Paris?

Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, was arrested at an airport near Paris on Saturday night and is now in custody facing allegations related to the messaging app. The 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire is accused of failing to prevent the misuse of Telegram for criminal activities.

An arrest warrant was issued by the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office following an investigation that began on July 8. The probe involves organized crime, drug trafficking, fraud, and the distribution of pornographic images of minors via Telegram. The platform, with approximately 800 million users, is widely used in Russia and Ukraine.

In response to Durov’s detention, the Russian embassy in France has sought clarification from French authorities and requested consular access to ensure Durov’s rights are protected. Embassy officials are reportedly in touch with Durov’s lawyer.

Here’s a brief overview of Durov’s background:

• Founder of VKontakte (VK): In 2006, Durov launched VKontakte, Russia’s equivalent of Facebook. He left the company after a dispute with Kremlin-linked owners over the management and refusal to block opposition leader Alexei Navalny’s page.
• Emigration and Citizenship: After departing VK in 2014, Durov emigrated and later obtained citizenship from St. Kitts and Nevis through a $250,000 donation. He was granted French citizenship in August 2021.
• Telegram’s Creation: Durov founded Telegram in 2013, promoting it as an uncensored and neutral platform open to diverse perspectives.
• Net Worth: As of now, Durov’s net worth is estimated at $15.5 billion, making him the 121st richest person globally according to Forbes.

Durov has consistently emphasized his commitment to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and a free market, principles that have guided both his professional and personal life.