Telegram issues statement on Durov's detention in France

In particular, the team stated that Telegram complies with EU laws, including the Digital Services Act. And its moderation, in turn, meets industry standards and is constantly being improved.

According to the published message, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide, and he often travels to Europe.

“It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform,” the post reads.

The messenger team also added that almost a billion users around the world use Telegram as a means of communication and a source of important information.

“We’re awaiting a prompt resolution of this situation. Telegram is with you all,” the representatives of the encrypted messaging platform summarized.

The arrest of Pavel Durov

Yesterday, August 24, at approximately 19:00 Kyiv time, the founder of the Telegram messenger Pavel Durov was detained in France after he stepped off his private jet on the runway of Le Bourget airport.

French media wrote that the arrest warrant for Durov was issued a few minutes before he landed, and it could only be executed if the head of the app was in France. Because he did not cooperate with French security forces, he is believed to be involved in drug trafficking, fraud, and a number of other crimes.

It is known that Durov will be tried as a French citizen, as he received a French passport several years ago. He faces up to 20 years in prison and, being a French citizen, the messenger's founder is not subject to exchange or extradition.

The French media, citing a source close to the matter, write that the French intelligence services will seek access to Telegram correspondence related to criminal networks, as well as sanctioned companies and people.