The CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, has been released from police custody after being detained for several days.
NewsNGR reported that Russian-born Durov, 39, was arrested at Le Bourget airport outside Paris late Saturday, in connection to an ongoing investigation into Telegram’s moderation practices and the distribution of criminal content on the platform.
According to sources close to the case, Durov is now facing court questioning in relation to the investigation.
The enigmatic founder and CEO of Telegram, is under investigation by French authorities for allegedly failing to curb extremist and criminal content on his platform.
The probe, which was secretly launched on July 8, accuses Durov of 12 offenses related to Telegram’s moderation practices.
Durov, a citizen of Russia, France, and the United Arab Emirates, has been a vocal advocate for freedom of speech and has maintained a low profile despite his estimated $15.5 billion fortune.
However, critics argue that his platform has become a breeding ground for extremist and criminal activity.
The investigation has raised questions about the timing and circumstances of Durov’s detention, with some speculating about his connections to French President Emmanuel Macron.
According to reports, Durov had met with Macron on several occasions and had even refused an offer to establish Telegram’s headquarters in Paris.
Supporters of Durov see him as a champion of free speech, while detractors view him as a menace who has allowed Telegram to become a hub for illegal activities.