Pavel Durov's Arrest Sparks Global Attention
Billionaire Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, was apprehended upon his arrival in France via private jet over the weekend. Reports indicate that his arrest stemmed from a search warrant, with French media suggesting that the investigation revolves around the app’s moderation practices and potential illegal activities conducted by its users.
Russia’s Mark Zuckerberg
Born in Russia, Durov has established himself as a key player in the tech world, with Telegram competing against giants like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. His net worth, estimated by Forbes at $15.5 billion, places him as the 120th richest individual globally, earning him the moniker "Russia’s Mark Zuckerberg." Durov’s journey took a pivotal turn in 2014 when he left Russia, resisting government demands to dismantle opposition groups on VKontakte, a social media platform he co-founded. He subsequently relocated to Dubai in 2017 and became a French citizen in August 2021.
In addition to his French citizenship, Durov reportedly holds citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and St Kitts and Nevis, a Caribbean nation.
Telegram’s Popularity and Scrutiny
Telegram has gained significant traction, especially in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet republics. However, the app faced a ban in Russia in 2018 after Durov refused to comply with a court order that mandated providing state security access to encrypted messages. Despite this, Telegram remained accessible, sparking protests in Moscow and drawing criticism from NGOs.
As of 2023, Telegram boasts over 700 million active monthly users, with aspirations to exceed 1 billion within the next year. This meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed, leading to heightened scrutiny from various European nations, including France, regarding potential security and data privacy issues.
Telegram’s commitment to user privacy and human rights is prominently featured on its website, where it emphasizes its role in supporting pro-democracy movements across the globe, including in Iran, Russia, Belarus, Myanmar, and Hong Kong. Durov is also known for his philanthropic efforts, reportedly having assisted over 100 couples in 12 countries as a sperm donor.
Recognizable for his all-black attire, reminiscent of the character Neo from the Matrix films, Durov’s recent arrest has mobilized activists in Moscow, who have shown their support by placing paper planes near the French embassy. In an interview with controversial media figure Tucker Carlson, Durov expressed his preference for freedom over subservience, stating, “I would rather be free than to take orders from anyone.”