Telegram founder Pavel Durov has granted a second on-camera interview to American journalist Tucker Carlson, revealing fresh insights following his high-profile arrest in France. The discussion comes nearly ten months after Durov’s detention at Lé Bourget Airport on August 24, 2024, where he was formally charged with multiple offenses tied to the platform’s moderation policies.
During the interview — which premiered on YouTube today — Durov expressed confusion and frustration over the French investigation, saying he still doesn’t understand the rationale behind it. “We did nothing wrong,” he asserted, explaining that Telegram is subject to audits by a Big Four firm, cooperates with major financial institutions, and invests millions in legal compliance across almost 200 countries.
He emphasized his bewilderment at accusations of complicity due to Telegram’s moderation—or alleged lack thereof. “It’s a very extensive interpretation of complicity even for the French legal system,” he noted, adding that he never refused legally binding requests from authorities.
Legal restrictions stemming from the charges have placed Durov under judicial supervision since his arrest. He continues to reside in France under travel limitations — although he has recently traveled to Dubai with court permission.
Addressing criticism over the publicity of his detention, Durov described the arrest as intended to “humiliate” him. Unlike typical discreet procedures, his arrest was highly publicized — an act his legal counsel called “unprecedented”.
Durov also touched on concerns about possible ethnic bias, responding to Carlson’s suggestion. While he hopes ethnicity played no role, Carlson argued otherwise, and Durov did not dismiss the notion .
Despite the legal turmoil, Telegram has continued its growth trajectory — surpassing one billion monthly active users in March 2025. Durov reaffirmed the platform’s commitment to free speech and hinted that Telegram could withdraw from countries unwilling to protect it.
