Reason for Telegram CEO Durov's detention revealed: Charges are extremely serious

Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau has explained why Russian-born billionaire Pavel Durov, the founder and owner of Telegram, was detained in France.

Beccuau stated that Durov was detained as part of an investigation launched on July 8 by the cybercrime unit against an unnamed individual, concerning child abuse, drug trafficking, fraud, operating an online platform that facilitates illegal transactions, and money laundering.

It was noted that Durov could be held in custody until Wednesday.

"IT IS ABSURD TO CLAIM HE IS RESPONSIBLE"

In a statement released by Telegram, it was said, "Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe. It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner is responsible for the abuse of that platform."

"WE DO NOT KNOW YET"

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, "We do not yet know exactly what Durov is being accused of. What exactly are they trying to charge him with? It would likely be wrong to make any statement without knowing this."

DETAINED AT THE AIRPORT UPON ARRIVAL BY PRIVATE JET

An unnamed police spokesperson stated that Durov is being investigated by national cybercrime and fraud offices on the grounds that he failed to cooperate regarding cyber and financial crimes committed via Telegram and social media.

Durov, who was detained shortly after landing at Le Bourget Airport near Paris on a private jet from Azerbaijan, was reportedly held as part of a preliminary investigation into allegations that the lack of moderation on Telegram and the failure to cooperate with police allowed numerous crimes to be committed on the platform.

RUSSIA'S ZUCKERBERG

The 39-year-old billionaire, often referred to as "Russia's Mark Zuckerberg," holds dual citizenship in France and the United Arab Emirates. Estimated by Forbes to have a net worth of $15.5 billion, Durov stated last April that some governments had attempted to pressure him, but that the application should remain a neutral platform rather than a "geopolitical player."