French government was not involved – POLITICO

The tech boss is currently in custody. The arrest follows investigations “that accuse Telegram of complicity in numerous cases related to drug trafficking, the excuse of terrorism and cyberbullying,” reported the French daily Le Monde.

In a statement, Telegram said its CEO – a Russian-born French-Emirati citizen – had “nothing to hide” and that the company complies with EU law.

Prominent voices from the technology industry and official Russian circles immediately called for Durov's arrest.

Russian Senator Alexei Pushkov described France in a Telegram post as a “liberal dictatorship” that “does not tolerate individuals claiming freedom.”

“#FreePavel,” posted X owner Elon Musk on his own platform. US whistleblower Edward Snowden, who lives in Russia, accused Macron of “going so far as to take hostages to gain access to private communications.”

The French President was not convinced.