Pavel Durov, the Russian-born billionaire and founder of the popular messaging platform Telegram, is currently under formal investigation in France, according to a statement released by the French prosecutor’s office late Wednesday.
The investigation specifically centers on alleged criminal activities associated with the platform, raising serious questions about its moderation policies and the potential facilitation of illegal activities.
Durov, 39, is facing accusations of complicity in illegal gang transactions, “laundering of crimes in an organized gang,” and refusal to provide necessary information to law enforcement authorities.
The formal investigation does not imply guilt under French law, but it reflects prosecutors’ belief that there is sufficient evidence to warrant further scrutiny of the case.
As part of the judicial oversight, Durov has been barred from leaving France and is required to report to a local police station twice a week.
His bail has been set at €5 million ($5.56 million), marking a significant development following his recent release from police custody.
The timing of Durov’s detention, which occurred at Paris’s Bourget Airport last Saturday, coincides with growing concerns regarding Telegram’s content moderation practices.
Reports from the French National Office for Minors revealed a “near absence of response” from Telegram concerning court requests linked to serious offenses, including trafficking, online hate speech, and child exploitation.
The ongoing investigation includes allegations that Telegram has been used as a platform for fraudsters, drug traffickers, and disseminators of child pornography, prompting scrutiny from law enforcement and international observers alike.
Durov’s potential complicity in enabling these crimes could carry severe legal consequences, including a maximum of 10 years in prison.
The situation has incited a heated debate on freedom of speech, particularly given Telegram’s prominence in both Russia and Ukraine.
The messaging service has become an essential communication tool amidst the ongoing conflict, drawing both support and criticism for its perceived role in facilitating extremist dialogue and illegal activity.
Russian officials have reacted strongly to Durov’s arrest, framing the incident as an infringement on freedom of expression.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, criticized French authorities for allegedly disregarding international norms protecting free speech.
These sentiments were echoed by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who sought to allay Russian users’ concerns about the app’s future and urged them to secure their sensitive communications.
French President Emmanuel Macron intervened in the issue, emphasizing that the decision to pursue charges against Durov was “in no way political.” This proclamation marks a rare instance of a French leader commenting directly on a judicial matter.
Telegram, which Durov co-founded in 2013 alongside his brother Nikolai, boasts over 950 million users worldwide. The platform is renowned for its encryption, which limits oversight by both law enforcement and the company itself.
Born in the Soviet Union in 1984, Durov has become a significant figure in the tech industry, often referred to as the “Mark Zuckerberg of Russia.”
After leaving Russia in 2014, he established his residence in Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered.
Despite his immense wealth, estimated at approximately $9.15 billion by Bloomberg, recent events have thrown his business and legacy into uncertainty.
