The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed concern regarding the situation involving Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram, who is a UAE national. Durov was arrested last Saturday at Paris-Le Bourget Airport, and his detention has been extended by French authorities. The 39-year-old Durov, who was born in Russia, was apprehended in connection with a legal case opened last month involving 12 alleged criminal violations related to his popular app.
The UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement indicating that they are “closely monitoring” Durov’s case and have “submitted a request to the French government to provide him with all consular services immediately.” The ministry emphasized that caring for citizens and safeguarding their interests is a top priority.
Despite his Russian roots, Durov spent much of his childhood in Italy and holds citizenship in the UAE, France, Russia, and the Caribbean nation of St. Kitts and Nevis. In his first public remarks regarding Durov’s arrest, French President Emmanuel Macron stated on Monday that it was not a political act but part of an independent investigation. Macron added that France is “deeply committed” to freedom of expression while stressing that freedoms must be exercised within a legal framework.
Relations between France and the UAE are close, particularly on a military level, with French forces operating a naval base in Abu Dhabi. Reports indicate that Emirati forces utilize French-built Leclerc tanks and Rafale fighter jets.
Russian officials have expressed outrage over Durov’s arrest, with some labeling it politically motivated and a demonstration of the West’s double standards regarding freedom of expression. Telegram has defended its operations in a statement, asserting that the platform complies with EU laws and continually improves its content moderation.
According to the company, Durov “has nothing to hide” and frequently travels in Europe. French media reports that the arrest occurred based on an arrest warrant claiming that his platform has been used for money laundering, drug trafficking, and other crimes. A French investigating judge has recently extended Durov’s detention, but he has not yet been formally charged, and few details about the investigation are publicly available.
Under French law, Durov can remain in custody for questioning for up to four days, after which judges must decide whether to charge him or release him.