Who is Telegram founder Pavel Durov — and why was he arrested?

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested at an airport outside Paris on Saturday night and detained on charges related to the messaging app. according to French media.

The 39-year-old Russian billionaire is accused of failing to mitigate the misuse of his platform for criminal activities. France’s OFMIN, the agency responsible for protecting minors from violence, has issued an arrest warrant for Durov on charges of organized crime, drug trafficking, fraud, cyberbullying and promoting terrorism, AFP news agency reported, citing a source.

Messaging apps, has about 800 million usersTo be popular in Russia as Ukraine.

Following news of Durov’s arrest, The Russian Embassy in France said has “immediately requested the French authorities to clarify the reasons and request guarantees to protect his rights and provide consular access,” the message posted on Telegram said embassy officials had contacted Durov’s lawyer.

Here’s everything you need to know about Durov:

• In an interview with American commentator Tucker Carlson this year, Durov has stated his priority for freedom. — freedom of speech, freedom of association and free markets — whether it was his decision to leave VK more than a decade ago or his personal life.
• He founded Telegram in 2013, marketing it as a neutral and uncensored platform, accessible to people from all walks of life and perspectives.