Pavel Durov: All you need to know about billionaire Telegram founder-CEO arrested in France

The Russian embassy in France demanded that Durov be granted consular access and that his rights be upheld.

Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, was detained in France on Saturday night with local media reports suggesting that the investigation was focused on a lack of moderators on the messaging app. The Russian embassy in France demanded that Durov be granted consular access and that his rights be upheld. The embassy said France has 'avoided engagement' regarding Durov's situation thus far.

Pavel Durov, the 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire, is the founder and CEO of Telegram, a widely used encrypted messaging app. Forbes estimates his wealth at approximately $15.5 billion.

Durov’s journey began with the creation of VKontakte, often dubbed the "Russian Facebook," in 2006. As Russia's largest social networking site, VKontakte put Durov at odds with the Russian government. In 2014, he left Russia after refusing to comply with demands to shut down opposition networks on VKontakte and sold his stake in the company.

In 2013, Durov launched Telegram, which emphasizes user privacy and has since become a major competitor to platforms like WeChat, WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. With hundreds of millions of users worldwide, Telegram aims to reach one billion monthly active users in the coming year. The app has gained significant traction in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states, where it is seen as a vital source of information amid ongoing conflicts.

What are the concerns over Telegram’s content moderation?
Despite its popularity, Telegram has faced challenges. In 2018, Russia attempted to ban the app after Durov refused to grant state security agents access to users' encrypted messages. Although the ban was largely ineffective, it led to protests and criticism from NGOs. Telegram’s rapid rise in Europe has drawn scrutiny from several nations, including France, due to security and data privacy concerns. EU authorities are considering stricter regulations for the app under new online content laws.

Where is Telegram's headquarters located?
Since leaving Russia, Durov has adopted a nomadic lifestyle, searching for secure locations for himself and his company. After exploring Berlin, London, Singapore, and San Francisco, he eventually chose Dubai as Telegram’s headquarters.

What countries does Pavel Durov hold citizenship in?
Durov obtained French citizenship in 2021 and is also reported to hold citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and the Caribbean dual-island state of St. Kitts and Nevis.