Telegram founder Pavel Durov appeared before investigating magistrates in Paris on Monday for the third round of questioning in connection with an ongoing probe into the messaging app’s alleged role in facilitating organized crime and distributing illegal content, sources close to the case confirmed.
Durov, 40, is under formal investigation by French judicial authorities over suspicions that Telegram has been complicit in enabling a range of criminal activities. These include the distribution of child sexual abuse material, illicit transactions, and other forms of illegal content allegedly shared or organized via the platform.
The Russian-born entrepreneur, who holds dual French and Russian citizenship, was dramatically detained in Paris in 2024 and has since been at the center of one of France’s highest-profile investigations into online platforms and digital accountability.
On Monday morning, Durov arrived at the Paris courthouse for further questioning as part of the criminal inquiry. He has not issued any public statements on the latest proceedings, and neither he nor his legal team responded to requests for comment.
During his initial interrogation in December 2024, Durov denied any intent to create a platform for criminal use. However, he reportedly acknowledged a growing presence of criminal activity on Telegram and pledged to implement stronger content moderation mechanisms to combat abuse.
According to judicial sources and law enforcement officials working on organized crime cases, cooperation between Telegram and French authorities has improved notably since Durov’s detention. The platform has reportedly taken steps to enhance transparency and remove illegal content more proactively.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Durov’s legal situation has slightly eased. Initially placed under strict judicial control, including a ban on leaving France, the Telegram founder had his restrictions relaxed earlier this month. He is now permitted to travel to the United Arab Emirates, where he resides, for up to two weeks at a time under specified conditions.
Durov’s legal team has launched multiple efforts to have the charges dismissed. According to a source close to the case, lawyers have filed motions with the Paris Court of Appeals challenging the basis of the criminal charges. Additionally, they have submitted a legal challenge on constitutional grounds, arguing that the case raises fundamental questions about the limits of liability for digital service providers.
Furthermore, Durov’s defense has requested a preliminary ruling from the European Court of Justice (ECJ), the European Union’s highest court. The move is aimed at clarifying the application of EU digital law to platforms like Telegram, especially regarding platform liability for user-generated content under the bloc’s Digital Services Act.
Telegram, launched in 2013 by Durov and his brother Nikolai, has become one of the world’s most popular encrypted messaging platforms, boasting over 900 million users globally. While it is widely used for private communication and public channels, it has also faced persistent criticism for being exploited by criminal groups, terrorist organizations, and those spreading harmful content due to its strong encryption and lax moderation practices.
The case against Durov is being closely watched by legal experts and digital rights advocates across Europe, as it may set significant precedents for how national governments hold platform operators accountable for criminal activity conducted via their services.
As the investigation continues, the broader debate around digital platform responsibility, encryption, and freedom of communication remains at the forefront of Europe’s evolving regulatory landscape.
Written By Rodney Mbua
