Dubai-based Telegram founder Pavel Durov detained in Paris

Source: YouTube

Pavel Durov, the Dubai-based billionaire founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app, was detained at Bourget Airport near Paris on Saturday evening.

French media outlets reported that Durov, a Russian-French national, was apprehended while travelling aboard his private jet.

The arrest stems from an investigation by French authorities, who have expressed concerns over the lack of moderation on Telegram, which they allege has allowed criminal activities to flourish on the platform unchecked.

Durov, known for his staunch stance on user privacy and free speech, founded Telegram in 2013 with his brother after leaving Russia in 2014.

Since then, Telegram has grown into a major global messaging platform with nearly one billion users.

As of Sunday, Durov faces possible indictment in France.

Telegram has not yet commented on the situation.