Durov’s arrest boosts worldwide Telegram downloads

The app’s popularity has skyrocketed following the arrest of its CEO and founder in France, reports TechCrunch

The popularity of the messaging app Telegram has skyrocketed worldwide following the arrest of the platform’s founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, reported TechCrunch, citing an analysis of global downloads by market research firm Sensor Tower.

The number of Telegram downloads on the iOS platform worldwide reportedly increased by 4 percent on August 26 compared to the previous day. In France, where Durov was arrested on Saturday, the messenger became the top app in the social networking category and was the third most downloaded app overall.

In the US, Telegram rose to second place in the list of top apps (excluding games) before falling back to third place.

The technology news company noted that Apple’s App Store rankings reflect a combination of metrics, such as the number of app installs and download speed, among other factors.

According to app intelligence firm Appfigures, cited by TechCrunch, Telegram only moved to number two on the social networking charts in the US App Store at 3 a.m. EST on Monday. That could mean the app’s resurgence has only just begun, although it could be short-lived.

The Russian businessman was arrested on Saturday upon arrival at Paris-Le Bourget airport. A French judge has extended Durov’s detention twice. The Paris prosecutor’s office said his arrest was part of a broad criminal investigation into an unnamed person.

According to prosecutors, the 39-year-old Russian citizen, who also holds French, Emirati and St. Kitts and Nevis citizenship, could face charges ranging from aiding and abetting drug trafficking and money laundering to promoting the distribution of child pornography.

Authorities reportedly suspect Durov of being involved in a number of crimes allegedly committed through the social media app due to inadequate moderation.

Telegram, which has about 1 billion active monthly users, was founded in Russia in 2013 by Durov and his brother. The entrepreneur left the country in the mid-2010s and settled in Dubai. He obtained French citizenship in 2021.