Telegram founder Pavel Durov under formal investigation in France over organized crime probe
The founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, has been placed under formal investigation in France as part of a probe into organized crime on the platform, according to Paris prosecutors. The 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire, who is also a French national, has not been remanded in custody but has been placed under judicial supervision and required to pay a €5m deposit.
Mr. Durov was first detained upon arrival at Le Bourget airport north of Paris last Saturday under a warrant for offenses related to the app. He is now facing allegations including complicity in the administration of an online platform to enable illicit transactions by an organized gang, refusal to communicate with authorities, and complicity in organized criminal distribution of sexual images of children.
While being put under formal investigation does not imply guilt or necessarily result in a trial, it indicates that judges consider there is enough of a case to proceed with an investigation. Mr. Durov’s lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, stated that Telegram complies with European digital regulations and is moderated to the same standards as other social networks. He called the allegations against his client “absurd.”
The arrest of a social media platform owner for the way the platform is being used is unprecedented and has sparked a debate about freedom of speech and accountability online. Tech mogul Elon Musk has defended Mr. Durov, arguing that moderation is a form of censorship and calling for his release.
The case has also drawn international attention, with Russian officials offering assistance to Mr. Durov, who holds Russian citizenship in addition to his French nationality. The charges against him have been criticized as politically motivated by some Russian lawmakers.
Telegram, which has more than 950 million registered users, has faced scrutiny for its refusal to join international programs aimed at detecting and removing child abuse material online. The company, now headquartered in Dubai, insists that its moderation tools meet industry standards.
The investigation into Mr. Durov’s alleged involvement in organized crime on the messaging app has raised concerns about the security and trustworthiness of Telegram among its users. The outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for the platform and its users worldwide.
