Pavel Durov's Arrest Raises Eyebrows at Paris Airport
Pavel Durov's Arrest Raises Eyebrows at Paris Airport
Pavel Durov, the influential founder of Telegram, was arrested at Paris Le Bourget Airport on August 24, 2024. The arrest occurred as Durov disembarked from his private jet, following a search warrant issued by authorities.
The operation was reportedly carried out by French secret services, though this information has not been officially confirmed. The arrest took place around 8 p.m., according to local reports. Durov, 39, was accompanied by his bodyguard and a woman at the time of his arrest, as reported by French outlet TF1 Info.
The precise charges against Durov have not been disclosed, and authorities have yet to provide details regarding the evidence that led to the search warrant. The circumstances surrounding his arrest remain unclear, raising significant questions about the potential implications for Durov and his company.
Durov, born on October 10, 1984, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), Russia, is a prominent figure in the technology and media sectors. He is best known for founding the social networking site VKontakte (VK) and the widely used messaging app Telegram.
- VK was co-founded by Durov and his brother Nikolai in 2006.
- VK became Russia's most popular social network.
- Durov was compelled to sell his stake in VK under increasing pressure from authorities in 2014.
- He then launched Telegram in 2013, which has gained significant global traction.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.