French MFA refuses to comment on detention of Telegram founder Durov

The French Foreign Ministry refused to comment on the detention of the founder of the Telegram messenger Pavel Durov.

“In line with the principle of independence of justice in France, the French government does not comment on the situation with Mr. Durov in any way,” the ministry replied to Russian media, according to Caliber.Az. 

Founder and CEO of Telegram Pavel Durov was detained on August 24 evening at Paris-Le Bourget Airport.

The 39-year-old entrepreneur was accompanied by his bodyguard and a woman. Durov had been placed on a federal wanted list. He had arrived in France from Azerbaijan. A search warrant was issued for Durov by the French National Judicial Police based on a preliminary investigation.

French authorities accuse Durov of involvement in drug trafficking, crimes against children, and fraud, linking these allegations to the lack of moderation on Telegram. 

The entrepreneur has reportedly been taken into custody. A source indicated that Durov’s arrest was inevitable.