Pavel Durov Arrested in Paris for Drug Trafficking Implication

The French-Russian billionaire, 39, was detained around 20.00 at Le Bourget airport by French police upon his return from Azerbaijan.

The arrest was made by representatives of the Air Gendarmerie. Durov was accompanied by a woman and a bodyguard. French television news outlets TF1 TV and BFM TV also reported that the French National Directorate of Judicial Police (OFMIN) issued an arrest warrant for Durov following a preliminary investigation.

 It was reported that Durov could potentially face a jail term of up to 20 years and is expected to appear in court.

The Telegram CEO, who obtained French citizenship in 2021, cannot be deported to another country under French law.

The court is considering several charges against Durov, including lack of moderation, non-cooperation with law enforcement, complicity in drug trafficking, offenses against the sexual integrity of children and fraud.

Additionally, Reuters also confirmed that Pavel Durov has been arrested in Paris.

Furthermore, it was previously reported by Kursiv that in late June, Durov visited Uzbekistan and admired the modern infrastructure of Tashkent.