Russia-France New Tensions Due To Telegrom CEO Pavel Durov's Detention

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov/PHOTO via Wikimedia Commons/TechCrunch

JAKARTA - The detention of Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov in France created new tensions between France and Russia.

Earlier, a number of French media, citing sources close to the investigation, reported that Durov's detention had been extended on Sunday evening.

The media coverage emphasizes Telegram's dominance in former Soviet Union countries and its use by both Russia and Ukraine to provide information about the conflict.

The news also believes Durov has the potential to become a valuable asset for Western intelligence agencies seeking to break Telegram's encrypted messages.

Earlier on Saturday (24/8) night, French media reported that Durov had been detained at Le Bourget Airport.

Durov's detention occurred when he was about to leave a private plane that allegedly came from Azerbaijan.

The 39-year-old Russian-born man who is also known to have French citizenship is reportedly on the French wanted list.

As reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Monday, August 26, the French judiciary considers Durov to be involved in a crime for a number of reasons, including Telegram's refusal to cooperate with the country's authorities.

The founders of this messaging application may have been charged, among others, with charges of terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, and money laundering.

The Russian Embassy in France told Sputnik French authorities have so far refused to cooperate over Durov's detention.