• Hausa Edition
  • Podcast
  • Conferences
  • LeVogue Magazine
  • Business News
  • Print Advert Rates
  • Online Advert Rates
  • Contact Us
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Leadership Newspapers
Read in Hausa
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us
No Result
View All Result
Leadership Newspapers
No Result
View All Result

Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov Arrested Over Alleged Drug Trafficking, Others In France

by Nafisat Abdulrahman and Leadership News
10 months ago
in Foreign News
Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov

Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov

Share on WhatsAppShare on FacebookShare on XTelegram

Russian-born founder and CEO of the popular messaging platform Telegram, Pavel Durov, has been arrested in France and could face up to 20 years in prison, according to French news outlets.

Advertisement

Durov was reportedly detained at Le Bourget airport, located north of Paris, shortly after his private jet landed. The arrest followed a federal search warrant issued by the French National Directorate of Judicial Police.

The warrant was reportedly issued due to Durov’s failure to cooperate with French law enforcement. The Telegram CEO is accused of being an accomplice in drug trafficking and other serious crimes.

French media have suggested that Durov could face multiple charges, including those related to terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering, and the dissemination of child abuse content.

Mario Nawfal, an investor and content curator on X (formerly known as Twitter), commented on the unfolding situation, stating, “Durov could face up to 20 years in prison. His arrest is attributed to Telegram’s lack of content moderation and his failure to cooperate with French law enforcement.”

RELATED

Nigeria, 7 Others Get $1.96 Million Grant To Fight Fistula Disorder

How WAES Can Unlock West Africa’s Economic Potential

12 hours ago
‘Innovation, Science, Technology Key To Nigeria’s Economic Transformation’

Nigeria Partners Cuba To Strengthen STI Development

12 hours ago

 

Durov, who was born in Russia and now resides in Dubai, holds dual citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and France.

 

He founded Telegram in 2013 and has been living primarily in the UAE since leaving Russia in 2014. His departure from Russia was precipitated by his refusal to comply with government demands to shut down opposition communities on his VKontakte social media platform, which he subsequently sold. In 2021, Durov became both a French and Emirati citizen.

 

Telegram, which was banned in Russia in 2018 after Durov’s refusal to hand over user data, saw the ban reversed in 2021. The app now boasts over 950 million active monthly users worldwide.

 

The Russian foreign ministry has reacted strongly to Durov’s arrest. The ministry’s spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova posted on Telegram, questioning whether Western human rights NGOs would remain silent on Durov’s arrest, given their previous criticism of Russia’s attempts to limit Telegram’s operations in 2018.

 

Several Russian officials have also condemned the arrest, viewing it as an infringement on free speech and digital privacy.

 

In a recent interview with American journalist and political commentator Tucker Carlson, Durov discussed his fraught relationships with both the Russian and American governments. He revealed that the U.S. government had pressured him to install a surveillance “backdoor” in Telegram, a demand he firmly refused.

 

The arrest has sparked reactions globally, with high-profile figures like Elon Musk, owner of X, weighing in. Musk commented on the situation, posting, “POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme,” reflecting concerns over potential overreach by authorities.


We’ve got the edge. Get real-time reports, breaking scoops, and exclusive angles delivered straight to your phone. Don’t settle for stale news. Join LEADERSHIP NEWS on WhatsApp for 24/7 updates →

Join Our WhatsApp Channel

START EARNING US DOLLARS as a Nigerian ($35,000) monthly. Companies are sacking their workers due to AI (artificial intelligence), business owners are in panic mode. Only the smart will make it. Click here


Tags: Pavel DurovTelegram
SendShareTweetShare
Previous Post

JUST-IN: Emir Of Ningi Dies At 88

Next Post

Trial Of 27 Suspects In LGBTQ Practices Begins Sept 9 — Prosecutor

Nafisat Abdulrahman and Leadership News

Nafisat Abdulrahman and Leadership News

You May Like

Nigeria, 7 Others Get $1.96 Million Grant To Fight Fistula Disorder
Foreign News

How WAES Can Unlock West Africa’s Economic Potential

2025/06/08
‘Innovation, Science, Technology Key To Nigeria’s Economic Transformation’
Foreign News

Nigeria Partners Cuba To Strengthen STI Development

2025/06/08
Liberia’s Ex-Speaker Charged With Arson Over Parliament Fire
Foreign News

Liberia’s Ex-Speaker Charged With Arson Over Parliament Fire

2025/06/08
Russia Launches Biggest Drone Strike On Ukraine’s Second City
Foreign News

Russia Launches Biggest Drone Strike On Ukraine’s Second City

2025/06/08
Lee Jae-myung
Foreign News

South Korea’s New President Lee Jae-myung Pledges Recovery After Martial Law Crisis

2025/06/04
Musk Blasts Trump’s Spending Bill After Exiting White House
Foreign News

Musk Blasts Trump’s Spending Bill After Exiting White House

2025/06/03
Leadership Conference advertisement

LATEST

Natasha: ‘Denial Is Not Enough’, Group Dares Akpabio’s Aide Over Deleted ‘Confession’ On Social Media

4 Killed, 2 Injured In Ambush On Miners In Plateau Community

Federal Civil Service Commission Alerts Public Over Fake Promotion Exam Forms

Sanwo-Olu Dismisses Feud, Reaffirms Loyalty To Tinubu

Ex-First Lady Patience Jonathan Testifies On Academic Feat At Pastor Jerry Eze’s Church

Edo Gov’t Threatens Lawsuit Over Alleged Defamation Against Okpebholo, Others

Neymar Tests Positive For Covid-19, Say Santos

Osimhen Rejects €75m Al Hilal’s Offer

Forest Guards Initiative Will Boost Security, Investment — Ooni

Tinubu’s Reforms Working, Investments Rising, Says Minister Bagudu

© 2025 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Sport
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Opinion
    • Editorial
  • Columns
  • Football
  • Others
    • LeVogue Magazine
    • Conferences
    • National Economy
  • Contact Us

© 2025 Leadership Media Group - All Rights Reserved.