Telegram announced yesterday that its Russian-born founder, Pavel Durov, has “nothing to hide,” despite being held by French authorities since the weekend. Durov, 39, has been in custody for the second day, undergoing questioning related to alleged offences connected to Telegram, the popular but often controversial messaging app.
Durov was detained shortly after arriving at Le Bourget airport outside Paris late Saturday. His arrest marks another extraordinary chapter in the career of one of the tech world’s most influential figures.
A source close to the investigation revealed that Durov’s detention, initially set to end Sunday night, has been extended by the investigating magistrate handling the case. Under French law, the period for questioning can last up to 96 hours. At the end of this period, the judge has the option to release Durov or press charges, potentially keeping him in custody. Durov’s fortune is estimated by Forbes to be $15.5 billion.
President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation on Monday, denying any political motives behind Durov’s arrest. Writing on the social media platform X, Macron aimed to dispel what he called “false information” regarding the case. He emphasized that Durov’s detention is part of an ongoing judicial investigation, stating, “It is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to rule on the matter.” Macron’s public comment on the case is unusual, highlighting the sensitivity of the situation.
Durov, who holds both French and Russian citizenship, had flown into Paris from Baku, Azerbaijan, and was planning to have dinner in the French capital when he was apprehended, according to a source close to the case.
