Telegram founder Durov arrested at French airport

PARIS:Telegram founder Pavel Durov was detained at an airport in Le Bourget, a northeastern suburb of Paris on Saturday, and placed in custody, French media reported.

Durov, who holds French citizenship, was detained while disembarking from a private plane that reportedly arrived from Azerbaijan.

The Telegram founder was wanted by French authorities for his involvement in an investigation into crimes against minors. The arrest was made based on a request from the French department responsible for combating these types of crimes.

According to French media, the French justice believes that a number of reasons, including Telegram's refusal to cooperate with the country's authorities, make Durov involved in a number of crimes.

It is noted that Durov may face charges on Sunday, including terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud and money laundering.

Durov faces up to 20 years in prison in France, French journalist Cyrille Amoursky claimed.

"He faces up to 20 years in prison, and he will appear in court tomorrow evening," the journalist said on X.

Related World News

119 killed in massive police operation against Rio criminal ring

At least 119 people were killed in a massive police operation targeting an organized criminal ring in Brazil's second largest city Rio de Janeiro, authorities said Wednesday. The large-scale raid was launched Tuesday against members of the Comando Vermelho gang in the Alemao and Penha fa....

At least 22 killed in store explosion in northern Mexico

At least 22 people were killed after an explosion triggered a fire at a department store in Hermosillo, capital of the northern Mexican state of Sonora, local media reported Saturday. The explosion occurred in the afternoon at a chain department store in the city center, according to the....

Trump arrives in South Korea for high-stakes summits with Lee, Xi

US President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea Wednesday ahead of high-stakes summits with President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the occasion of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering in the southeastern city of Gyeongju. Trump, who is on his first Asia t....

Israel attacks kill 9 people in Gaza after Netanyahu instructs to carry out strikes

Israel Defence Forces carried out air strikes, killing nine people in Gaza, following an alleged violation of the US-brokered ceasefire deal by Hamas, according to reports. The airstrike was carried out after PM Netanyahu instructed the Israeli military to immediately carry out forceful strike....

Putin says Russia completed tests of nuclear-powered cruise missile

Russia has completed the decisive tests of its Burevestnik nuclear-powered cruise missile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday. "Much work remains to be done to put these weapons on combat duty ... Nevertheless, the key objectives have now been achieved," Putin said....