Elusive tech billionaire Pavel Durov detained in France. The CEO of Telegram, a messaging app widely used in Ukraine and Russia, was arrested on Saturday as he was leaving his private jet at Le Bourget airport.
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| Telegram CEO faces legal troubles over content moderation. The messaging app has come under fire for hosting graphic and misleading content, particularly related to the Russia-Ukraine war. |
Paris, France – August 25, 2025:
In a surprising turn of events, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested on Saturday as he was leaving his private jet at Le Bourget airport near Paris. French authorities confirmed the arrest, citing a preliminary police investigation into alleged criminal activities on the popular messaging app.
The investigation is reportedly focused on posts on Telegram that may involve offenses such as fraud, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Critics have long accused the platform of failing to adequately moderate such content. Durov is expected to appear in court on Sunday to face charges.
Durov's arrest comes at a time when social media platforms are under increasing pressure to moderate their content. The European Union's Digital Services Act, which came into effect earlier this year, requires large tech companies to take stricter measures against illegal content or face hefty fines. Telegram, with its growing user base in the EU, has been under particular scrutiny for its moderation practices.
The messaging app has gained significant popularity in Ukraine and Russia, serving as a primary source of information about the ongoing war between the two countries. However, Telegram has also faced criticism for hosting graphic and misleading content related to the conflict.
Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur, has a history of defying government authority. In 2014, he left Russia after refusing to comply with Kremlin orders to shut down accounts of opposition groups on VKontakte, another social media platform he founded.
As the investigation into Durov's arrest unfolds, the future of Telegram and its content moderation policies remains uncertain. The arrest raises questions about the extent of the platform's involvement in illegal activities and the potential consequences for its users.