The Russian authorities have offered consular and legal assistance to Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France as he faces legal proceedings there. In a discussion with a representative from Lentoy.ru, Vladimir Dzhabarov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council International Affairs Committee, conveyed Moscow’s position on the case and the support options available to Durov while he is abroad.
According to Dzhabarov, Russia asserts its right to consular access to Durov, who holds French citizenship while being born a citizen of the Russian Federation and who did not renounce his Russian citizenship. The senator emphasized that Russia can provide the necessary legal backing and support as part of its responsibilities toward a person with dual nationality who remains connected to Russia through birth. This stance reflects longstanding practice in handling cases involving Russian citizens or individuals with dual citizenship who encounter legal or administrative questions abroad, especially when consular rights may intersect with the obligations of host states.
Durov was detained after arriving in France from Azerbaijan, stepping off a private jet at Le Bourget Airport on the evening of August 24. The arrival and subsequent handling of his case have drawn attention to the broader framework of international legal cooperation and the roles of national police and prosecutors when cyber-related and financial crime allegations surface in foreign jurisdictions.
French authorities stated that the entrepreneur is facing accusations connected to non-cooperation in alleged cyber and financial offenses linked to the Telegram platform. Reuters reported that Durov is under inquiry by France’s cybercrime division and the national fraud department as the case unfolds. These details point to a complex investigation that involves disparate aspects of cyber security, financial integrity, and international cooperation in criminal matters. The initial statements from law enforcement suggest an ongoing process rather than a rapid disposition of the case, indicating that investigators are gathering evidence, examining communications, and evaluating potential responsibilities tied to Telegram’s operations within France and beyond.
Meanwhile, the French public prosecutor’s office clarified that Durov was questioned as part of an inquiry into an unnamed individual charged with a set of crimes. The investigation was opened on July 8, and prosecutors indicated that the inquiry addresses multiple facets of wrongdoing while maintaining the presumption of innocence for all parties involved. The progression of the case underscores how judges, prosecutors, and investigators in France coordinate with international partners when a high-profile tech executive is implicated in alleged cyber and financial activity, illustrating the cross-border nature of contemporary digital-era investigations.
Earlier remarks from Swiss authorities touched on a separate matter involving Durov, reflecting how the platform’s founder remains a focal point in diverse legal discussions across Europe. Those comments, while not detailing current charges, demonstrate the pattern of multinational scrutiny actors in the tech sector increasingly face as they navigate regulatory frameworks, data governance, and compliance obligations on multiple continents. This broader context helps observers understand why consular and diplomatic channels matter in high-stakes investigations and why states seek to ensure that their nationals receive appropriate guidance and representation during such processes.