Several reports have confirmed that Pavel Durov, the Founder and CEO of Telegram, has been transferred from custody to court, Cointelegraph reported. According to sources familiar with the matter, Durov's detention period was nearing its end, prompting his transfer to the Paris court.

Unexpected Court Appearance

The Russian news agency RIA Novosti revealed that Durov was brought to court at around 1:00 PM UTC, marking a significant moment in what appears to be an ongoing legal matter. A RIA Novosti correspondent reported that two cars with flashing lights were seen speeding away from the National Anti-Fraud Bureau in the suburbs of Paris.

This location is where Durov was believed to have been held during his detention. The sudden movement sparked speculation and concern, hinting at the seriousness of the situation.

As Durov appeared before the investigating judge, the possibility of charges being filed became a key focus. The French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) also confirmed Durov's appearance in court, citing a source close to the case.

Durov's court appearance raises many questions about the future of Telegram and its leadership. While details remain sparse, the tech community and Telegram users worldwide are keenly watching the developments.

Durov's Arrest

Durov was arrested last weekend by the French authorities at Le Bourget airport, which is located outside Paris. The 39-year-old billionaire was detained around 8 pm local time after his private jet landed at the French airport. He had traveled to France from Azerbaijan.

Although the reason for his arrest is unknown, it is reported to be related to the activities of his messaging platform. Durov and his brother founded Telegram in 2013 as an end-to-end encryption on the platform.

Notably, he was forced to leave Russia the following year after failing to comply with the local government’s order to shut down opposition communities on the platform. Telegram is now one of the leading social media platforms, with about 900 million active users. Durov reportedly operates Telegram from Dubai. The Russian-born entrepreneur holds dual citizenship in the UAE and France. His estimated net worth is $15.5 billion.