Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has been arrested in France in relation to an investigation concerning the messaging app’s moderation — or lack thereof.
Durov was taken into custody at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on Saturday evening local time, with Reuters reporting that he had just arrived from Azerbaijan by private jet. According to AFP’s sources, the warrant for Durov’s arrest was issued by OFMIN, a French law enforcement agency focused on combating violence against minors.
Telegram is reportedly being investigated for failure to curb criminal activity on its platform, thanks in no small part to its permissive moderation policies. It has also been accused of failing to cooperate with French authorities investigating such activity, which apparently includes fraud, drug trafficking, child sexual abuse material, promotion of terrorism, organised crime, and cyberbullying.
The messaging app has released a statement defending Durov, claiming that it has not violated the law and now awaits “a …