Telegram CEO Arrested in France – AI-Tech Report

Born: 10 October 1984, Leningrad, Soviet Union (now Saint Petersburg, Russia)

Net Worth: US$15.1 billion as of 29 September 2022

Known For: Founding “VK”  in 2006 and Telegram Messenger in 2013

Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, is also one of the founders of VKontakte (VK), a popular Russian social networking site. He co-founded VK in 2006 along with his brother Nikolai Durov and a few others. Pavel Durov served as the CEO of VK until 2014, when he sold his stake in the company and left Russia due to conflicts with the government regarding user data privacy. He then focused on developing Telegram, which was launched in 2013.

Interestingly, Durov had taken considerable measures to avoid his arrest. He reportedly traveled from Azerbaijan via the UAE, former Soviet countries, and South America to circumvent European jurisdictions where such a warrant might be effective (see table above).

A Critical Mistake

A source close to the investigation mentioned to TF1 that Durov made a critical error by landing in France. The motives behind his decision for this route remain unclear.

Legal Proceedings and Implications

French Judicial Process

The charges against Durov are severe enough that he could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Currently, he is in custody and is scheduled to appear before a judge shortly, potentially facing an indictment.

Possible Pretrial Detention

Given the gravity of the allegations, it is highly likely that Durov will be placed under pretrial detention. A source mentioned to TF1/LCI that the offenses committed through the Telegram platform are numerous and severe, adding to the weight of the case against him.

Reaction and Statements

Russian Government Involvement

The Russian Foreign Ministry has acted promptly. The Russian Embassy in France is actively working to clarify the situation. Relevant Russian authorities, including Deputy Chair in the State Duma Vladislav Davankov, have engaged in discussions with the Russian Foreign Ministry Sergei Lavrov regarding Durov’s release.

Public Commentary

The arrest has not only drawn governmental attention but also public figures. Tucker Carlson, an American commentator, tweeted in defense of Durov, suggesting his arrest as an attack on free speech and a warning to platform owners who resist government censorship.

Telegram: An Overview

The Birth of Telegram

Telegram was founded by Pavel Durov and has its headquarters in Dubai. Durov, originally Russian-born, left Russia in 2014 after refusing to shut down opposition communities on his VK social media platform, which he subsequently sold.

Company’s Stance

Durov has often emphasized that Telegram should remain a neutral platform. He insists it should not become a player in geopolitical conflicts, even as governments pressurize him for various reasons.

Telegram’s Controversies

Staffing and Security Concerns

In a 2024 interview with Tucker Carlson, Durov mentioned that Telegram operates with only around 30 engineers. This has raised eyebrows about the app’s investment in user privacy and security.

Lax Moderation Policies

Telegram’s moderation policies have been under scrutiny. The app is known for its privacy features and encryption, which, while protecting user data, also make it attractive to groups spreading hateful and illegal content.

In an “Unrelated” Matter

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov recently stunned millions by revealing that he has over 100 biological children, despite never being married and preferring a solitary lifestyle. In a post on Telegram, the 39-year-old Russian-born IT entrepreneur explained that 15 years ago, he began donating sperm to help a friend struggling with fertility issues. What started as a favor turned into a civic duty, as a clinic convinced him to continue donating to help other couples facing similar challenges. Today, his donations have contributed to over 100 births across 12 countries. In response, Elon Musk humorously reacted on X (formerly Twitter) with, “Rookie numbers lmao – Genghis Khan.”

Conclusion

The arrest of Pavel Durov is a significant event with potentially far-reaching consequences. It raises critical questions about the responsibilities of social media platforms, the balance between privacy and security, and the geopolitical complexities in the realm of digital communication. As the legal proceedings unfold, the tech world will be keenly watching the implications for Telegram and its next steps.

This developing story underscores the challenges leaders of digital platforms face in navigating the fine line between offering secure communication and complying with international law enforcement.