Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Arrested at French Airport Amid Moderation Concerns

Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, was arrested outside Paris over alleged moderation issues on the platform. Telegram didn't comment, while Russia's Foreign Ministry seeks clarification. Durov, a billionaire and French citizen, moved to Dubai with Telegram in 2017, continuing to prioritize freedom over material wealth.

Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app, was detained at Bourget airport near Paris on Saturday evening, as reported by TF1 and BFM TV citing unnamed sources.

The investigation reportedly centers on the absence of moderators on Telegram, which authorities believe facilitates unchecked criminal activity on the app.

Telegram has yet to respond to Reuters' request for comment. French authorities also refrained from commenting. Meanwhile, Russia's Foreign Ministry is taking measures to clarify the situation and questioned if Western NGOs will advocate for Durov's release. Durov, 39, is a Russian-born tech mogul and Telegram owner, with an estimated fortune of $15.5 billion according to Forbes. After defying the Russian government in 2014, he moved to Dubai with Telegram in 2017.

(With inputs from agencies.)