Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of Telegram, is now under formal investigation following his arrest as part of a probe into organised crime activities on his social media and messaging platform. Durov was detained after arriving in Paris on a private jet on Saturday, drawing attention to the legal responsibilities of app providers and sparking debate over the balance between free speech and legal enforcement.
On Wednesday, French judicial authorities officially placed Durov, who holds French citizenship, under investigation for allegedly failing to assist in criminal investigations and for his role in facilitating criminal activities on Telegram. The charges against him include complicity in running an online platform used for illicit transactions, child exploitation material, drug trafficking, fraud, refusal to cooperate with authorities, money laundering, and providing cryptographic services to criminals.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that an investigative judge found sufficient grounds to pursue all charges against Durov. Beccuau also noted that Telegram’s lack of response to cooperation requests prompted the Paris cybercrime unit to initiate an investigation in February 2024, with similar concerns raised by other French and European agencies.
Durov’s lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, criticised the charges, calling them ‘absurd’ and asserting that Telegram adheres to European digital regulations. Being formally investigated does not equate to guilt or guarantee a trial; it merely indicates that the judges believe there is enough evidence to continue the inquiry, which could take years.
Durov has been released on bail, required to pay a deposit of five million euros ($5.56 million), report to police twice a week, and stay in France. Telegram asserted its compliance with EU laws and maintained that Durov has nothing to hide.
In addition to his Russian citizenship, Durov is also a citizen of the UAE and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The UAE Foreign Ministry has requested that France provide Durov with necessary consular services, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed hope that Durov would have access to adequate legal support, noting the complexity added by his French citizenship.
President Emmanuel Macron addressed concerns on X, emphasising that the arrest was not politically motivated but part of an independent investigation. He reaffirmed France’s commitment to free expression, but emphasised that such freedoms must operate within a legal framework to protect citizens and their rights.
The arrest and formal investigation of Pavel Durov, Telegram’s founder, by French authorities over alleged complicity in criminal activities on his platform underscores the complex legal landscape surrounding digital communications and the responsibilities of app providers. This situation highlights the growing scrutiny on tech companies regarding their role in facilitating or hindering criminal investigations. For businesses and individuals navigating such high-stakes legal challenges, Vakilsearch offers expert legal services to manage cases involving digital platforms, compliance with international regulations, and protection against criminal allegations. Our experienced legal team ensures comprehensive support, guiding you through every step of the legal process to safeguard your interests and uphold justice.
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