Pavel Durov, the CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, has reportedly been arrested in France. According to reports, Durov was taken into custody by French authorities on charges of money laundering and fraud.
Durov, who is known for his outspoken views on privacy and free speech, has long been a controversial figure in the tech world. He founded Telegram in 2013 as a secure messaging app that prioritizes user privacy and encryption. The app has since gained a huge following, with over 500 million active users worldwide.
The exact details of Durov’s arrest are still unclear, but reports suggest that he was detained while visiting France for business purposes. It is not yet known how long he will be held in custody or what the outcome of the charges against him will be.
The news of Durov’s arrest has sparked concern among Telegram users, many of whom rely on the app for secure communication. Some have expressed fears that his detention could lead to increased scrutiny of the app by governments and authorities around the world.
In response to the reports, a spokesperson for Telegram issued a statement saying, “We are aware of the situation and are closely monitoring it. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.”
Durov’s arrest is just the latest in a series of legal troubles for the CEO. In 2018, he was fined by Russian authorities for refusing to hand over encryption keys to the government, citing concerns about user privacy. He has also faced criticism for allowing extremist groups to use Telegram to spread propaganda and coordinate attacks.
Despite these controversies, Telegram remains one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, known for its strong encryption and commitment to user privacy. The future of the app and its CEO remains uncertain as the legal proceedings in France unfold.