Pavel Durov, a billionaire tech entrepreneur from Russia and co-founder of the social messaging app Telegram, was detained in France this weekend, according to reports from French media.

His arrest is linked to alleged violations regarding the moderation practices of Telegram, a favored app in both Russia and Ukraine, coupled with claims of inadequate cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Durov, who is the CEO of the platform, was allegedly apprehended at Le Bourget Airport near Paris upon arriving on his private jet from Azerbaijan, as multiple media outlets reported.

The accusations against him include allegations that Telegram has been exploited for illicit activities such as money laundering and drug trafficking, which he purportedly facilitated through a lax approach to content moderation.

Here’s what you need to know about Durov and Telegram, which he helped establish in 2013.

Who is Pavel Durov, the Creator of Telegram?

Durov, now 39, became famous in 2006 when he started VKontakte (VK), widely regarded as Russia’s answer to Facebook.

In 2013, alongside his brother Nikolai, Durov launched Telegram. The following year, he left Russia after he refused to comply with demands from authorities to provide encrypted user data from VK. Durov holds dual citizenship in France and the UAE and currently manages Telegram, which boasts hundreds of millions of users worldwide, by some estimates.

Forbes estimates Durov’s fortune at approximately $15.5 billion, placing him as the 121st richest individual globally.

This year, Durov participated in an interview with American media personality Tucker Carlson, highlighting his strong belief in the importance of freedom of speech in his work.

Durov is also known for his active presence on Instagram, where he frequently shares photos showcasing his fit physique.

Key Details About Durov’s Arrest

Durov was taken into custody on Saturday following an arrest warrant issued by France’s OFMIN, an agency that focuses on protecting minors from violence.

The agency claims that Durov did not adequately address criminal activities, such as drug trafficking and terrorism, that were occurring on his platform, as reported by news agency AFP.

According to the French newspaper Le Monde, the arrest was part of a preliminary inquiry into his lack of cooperation with law enforcement on issues involving child abuse, cyber fraud, organized crime, and other suspected illegal activities on Telegram.

As of Monday, Durov was still in custody while French authorities questioned him, as reported by Reuters, referencing local news outlet franceinfo. Confirmation of the arrest hadn’t been provided by French officials yet.

A police source informed Reuters that his arrest occurred at a private jet airport near Paris. The investigation is being conducted by a military cyber police unit and the national anti-fraud police.

Telegram released a statement on Sunday asserting that the company adheres to EU regulations and follows content moderation practices in line with industry standards.

“Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has no reason to hide and frequently travels across Europe,” the statement read. “It is unreasonable to state that either a platform or its owner is liable for misuse of that platform.”

The Russian Embassy in France has called for clarification regarding Durov’s arrest and requested that his rights are honored and that he receives consular access.

Musk and Other Free Speech Advocates React to Durov’s Arrest

The arrest of Durov has drawn significant criticism from prominent supporters of free speech online, including Elon Musk.

Since assuming control of X, Musk has adopted a relaxed approach to content moderation and expressed his support by tweeting “#FreePavel.” In another tweet, he remarked, “it’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme.”

Contributing: Reuters