Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of the encrypted messaging platform Telegram, has been arrested in France in connection with a major criminal investigation, Paris prosecutors revealed on Monday. The arrest took place at Le Bourget airport on Saturday and is part of a judicial probe launched in July.

Telegram CEO Arrest : Serious Charges in Ongoing Investigation

The investigation, which initially targeted an unnamed individual, encompasses a range of serious allegations. These include complicity in illegal transactions, child pornography, narcotics trafficking, organized fraud, and money laundering. The Paris prosecutor, Laure Beccau, stated that Durov was detained as part of this extensive inquiry into allegations of criminal activity linked to Telegram.

According to the prosecutor’s office, Durov’s custody has been extended and could last until Wednesday under the procedural rules for organized crime cases. This extension reflects the severity of the charges and the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Telegram CEO Arrest : Telegram Responds to Arrest

In response to the arrest, Telegram issued a statement through its internal news platform, asserting that Durov "has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe." The company criticized the notion that Durov or Telegram should be held responsible for the misuse of its platform, calling the allegations "absurd."

Telegram’s press team had not provided additional comments by Monday. The company, headquartered in Dubai, is known for being one of the world’s most downloaded apps and has been involved in various pro-democracy movements globally.

Political Reactions and Durov’s Background

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation, clarifying that the arrest was part of an ongoing judicial investigation and not a political move. Macron emphasized France's commitment to freedom of expression and innovation, stating that the judicial process would determine the outcome.

Durov, who is a citizen of both the United Arab Emirates and France, has lived primarily in Dubai since 2014. He left Russia after losing control of a previous company, which had refused to comply with demands from the Russian government to disclose data on Ukrainian protesters.

The case has attracted significant international attention, underscoring the tensions between global tech giants and national legal systems.