Telegram messaging app CEO Durov arrested in France

Paris: Russian-French billionaire and founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app Pavel Durov was arrested at Borget airport outside Paris on Saturday evening. TF1 TV and BFM TV have made this claim quoting unnamed sources.

TF1 said on its website that Durov was traveling on his private jet. He has been arrested under a warrant issued in connection with the preliminary police investigation.

TF1 and BFM said the investigation focused on the lack of moderators on Telegram and police believe the situation allowed criminal activities on the messaging app to continue without interruption.

According to French media, Durov could face possible charges on Sunday. Durov, who is of Russian origin, founded Telegram with his brother in 2013.

Meanwhile, Russian bloggers have called for protests in front of French embassies around the world against Durov’s arrest.