Telegram’s Pavel Durov made a ‘miscalculation’ fleeing Russia, says Kremlin

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Sunday claimed that Pavel Durov, founder of the Telegram messaging app, "miscalculated" by fleeing Russia. Durov was arrested on Saturday at Paris Le Bourget airport in France for offences related to the app and failing to address its criminal use, and appeared in court on Sunday. Medvedev, now deputy head of Russia's Security Council, asserted Durov's belief he could avoid cooperating with security services abroad was mistaken.

Medvedev mentioned a past conversation with Durov where he warned him that refusing to cooperate with law enforcement would cause problems in any country. Despite this, Durov, who holds multiple citizenships, left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with government orders to shut down opposition groups on his previous social media platform, VKontakte.

"He miscalculated," Medvedev stated. “For all our common enemies now, he is Russian – and therefore unpredictable and dangerous.” Medvedev added, "Durov should finally realise that one cannot choose one's fatherland."


According to Russian state news agency TASS, the Russian embassy in France has demanded consular access to Durov and insisted that his rights be protected. The embassy noted that France has so far "avoided engagement" regarding Durov's situation. Russian diplomats are reportedly in touch with Durov's lawyer to address the matter.

Local media reported that Durov was travelling from Azerbaijan on his private jet when he was arrested. France's Ofmin, an agency combating violence against minors, reportedly issued the arrest warrant for Durov. The agency is coordinating a preliminary investigation into alleged offences, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organised crime, and promoting terrorism.

Telegram, which was co-founded by Durov and his brother in 2013, did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. Both the French Interior Ministry and police also declined to comment on the situation.

The arrest of Pavel Durov highlights ongoing tensions and the complex relationship between Russia and its expatriates. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how legal and diplomatic channels will address the charges against the influential tech founder.

(With inputs from AFP, Reuters)