Telegram billionaire arrested for 'letting crime flourish' on site

THE billionaire founder of the controversial messaging app Telegram could be facing up to 20 years in jail after being arrested in France.

- David Pilditch

Pavel Durov, 39, was held by officers probing alleged offences relating to the encrypted service, claimed to be a favoured communication tool for criminals and terrorists.

The platform is said to have hosted far-right channels that were instrumental in organising the violent disorder in UK cities earlier this month.

Russian-born Durov was detained as he stepped off his private jet at Le Bourget Airport on the outskirts of Paris after a flight from Azerbaijan.

Investigators from the National Anti-Fraud Office attached to the French customs department told him he was being placed in police custody ahead of a court appearance.