French authorities have extended the detention of Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of the messaging platform Telegram, after his unexpected arrest at Paris’ Le Bourget airport on Saturday night. Durov, who also holds French and UAE citizenship, is under investigation for alleged involvement in various crimes, including fraud, drug trafficking, organised crime, terrorism promotion, and cyber-bullying.
Durov’s arrest has sparked significant backlash online, with free speech advocates like Elon Musk accusing French authorities of censorship. His private jet was seized upon arrival in Paris, and the investigation has raised concerns about the implications for digital privacy and freedom of speech.
Telegram has strongly denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, the company asserted its compliance with EU laws and criticized the notion that either the platform or its founder could be held accountable for its misuse by users.
French judicial authorities have prolonged Durov’s detention beyond the standard period. Under French law, initial questioning can last up to 96 hours, after which a judge must decide whether to release him or proceed with charges.
The Russian embassy in Paris has demanded access to Pavel Durov but has accused French officials of non-cooperation. Durov’s arrest also comes amid heightened tensions due to the ongoing Gaza war and the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, where Telegram has been a crucial platform for communication and propaganda.
The investigation and extended detention have intensified debates over digital rights and the responsibilities of tech companies in monitoring platform misuse.