Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s detention extended after his arrest in France

After Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was arrested at a Paris airport, French authorities have now extended his detention. He has been arrested over allegations that his messaging app facilitates criminality including money laundering and drug trafficking. An investigating magistrate ordered that Durov, 39, have his detention extended beyond Sunday night.

He had been travelling from Azerbaijan during which a French arrest warrant targeted him as part of a preliminary investigation. Durov can be held for questioning for up to 96 hours, after which he must be charged or released from custody.

According to the AFP, which quoted officials speaking on condition of anonymity, France’s OFMIN, an agency tasked with combating violence against minors, is investigating Russian-born Durov in a probe into alleged offences including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime and promotion of terrorism.

The Franco-Russian billionaire is accused of failing to halt the use of his app for criminality.

Telegram, in its statement, said that Durov “has nothing to hide” and travels frequently in Europe.

“Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act — its moderation is within industry standards,” the platform said in a statement. “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.”