Pavel Durov, the founder and chief of Telegram, will learn on Wednesday whether he faces charges or potential remand in custody following his arrest by French authorities over the weekend for alleged violations related to the messaging app.
Durov, 39, was detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris late Saturday.
His initial detention period, which has been extended several times, can last up to 96 hours.
He is under investigation for 12 alleged offenses related to the failure to curb extremist content on Telegram, according to sources close to the case.
Telegram, founded by Durov a decade ago while he was leaving Russia, has grown exponentially and now boasts over 900 million users.
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Durov, a private individual who seldom appears publicly, holds citizenship in Russia, France, and the UAE, where Telegram is headquartered.
Forbes estimates his net worth at $15.5 billion, although he is known for his ascetic lifestyle, including ice baths and abstaining from alcohol and coffee.
Questions have arisen about the timing and circumstances of his detention, particularly why he traveled to Paris despite knowing there was a warrant for his arrest.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation on X (formerly Twitter), stating that Durov’s arrest is part of an ongoing judicial investigation and not a political decision. Macron emphasized that the matter is for the judiciary to resolve.
In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the charges as very serious and requiring substantial evidence, suggesting that otherwise, it could be an attempt to restrict communication freedom or intimidate a major business leader.
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The UAE has expressed interest in the case and requested consular access for Durov. Tech billionaire Elon Musk has shown support for Durov, using the hashtag #FreePavel.
At the end of the 96-hour questioning period, the investigating magistrate will decide whether to release Durov, press charges, or remand him in custody. He could also be released under judicial control with movement restrictions.
Durov arrived in Paris from Baku, Azerbaijan, and was accompanied by a bodyguard and a personal assistant. Russian President Vladimir Putin was in Baku on August 18 and 19, though Kremlin officials deny a meeting with Durov.
The arrest warrant, issued by France’s OFMIN, involves a preliminary investigation into allegations including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and terrorism promotion.
Telegram has responded by asserting that Durov has nothing to hide and that the platform adheres to EU laws, including the Digital Services Act.
Telegram, positioned as a neutral alternative to US-owned platforms, has been pivotal in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Despite its role, critics argue that it hosts illegal content ranging from extreme imagery to disinformation and narcotics services.
