Lavrov blames Durov’s ‘freedom’ for Telegram CEO’s arrest

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov commented on the recent arrest of Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, in France, claiming that Durov’s ‘too free’ approach to running the social media platform led to his downfall. Durov, a Russian-born tech entrepreneur, was placed under formal investigation by a French judge last week for alleged complicity in facilitating illicit activities on Telegram, including child sex abuse images, drug trafficking, and fraud. Durov’s lawyer dismissed the charges as ‘absurd,’ arguing that he cannot be held accountable for crimes committed by users on the app, which boasts nearly a billion users globally and is especially popular in Russia and other former Soviet states.

Lavrov, speaking to students at MGIMO University in Moscow, suggested that the investigation is part of a broader Western effort to control Russia, reflecting the Kremlin’s stance. He remarked that Durov did not heed Western advice on moderating his platform, which has been a source of friction with authorities. Despite years of pressure from Russia on Durov and his tech ventures, the country has rallied behind him after his arrest.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasised that there have yet to be any negotiations between the Kremlin and Durov, who also holds French and UAE passports. He expressed concern that the situation in France might evolve into political persecution despite French President Emmanuel Macron’s denial of any political motives behind Durov’s detention. Lavrov further noted that Durov’s arrest, the first of a major tech CEO, has further strained relations between Moscow and Paris, marking a new low point in their diplomatic ties.