Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested over alleged ties between organized crime and the messaging app and was formally put under investigation by a French judge on Wednesday (August 28).
The 39-year-old businessman was arrested by police upon his arrival in Paris on Saturday, and his detention has since made headlines around the world and sparked debate over the accountability of tech companies and the limits of freedom of speech in different countries.
Paris prosecutor Laure Becqueau was quoted as saying the investigating judge had found grounds to formally investigate Durov on all charges for which he was originally arrested. Reuters.
The Russian-born head of Telegram is facing prosecution in France for allegedly facilitating illegal activities on the platform, including child abuse, drug trafficking and fraud.
French authorities have alleged that the company failed to cooperate with previous criminal investigations, which are set to begin in February 2024.
Regarding Telegram’s alleged compliance violations, Becquod said, “This view is shared by other French investigators and prosecutors, as well as by our various partners within Eurojust, especially our Belgian partner.”
Durov’s lawyers have denied any wrongdoing and have previously argued that Telegram complies with European regulations.
A formal investigation does not mean a conviction, but it will allow the case to proceed. Durov is free on bail of 5 million euros ($5.5 million), must report to police twice a week, and cannot leave France.
French President Macron speaks out about arrest of Telegram chief Pavel Durov
Durov’s case has attracted attention around the world, and French President Emmanuel Macron felt compelled to make a statement on the issue on the X platform.
After the arrest of Pavel Durov, we came across some misinformation about France.
France is deeply committed to freedom of expression and communication, innovation and entrepreneurship – and this will continue to be the case.
In a nation governed by the rule of law,…
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 26, 2024
“The arrest of the CEO of Telegram in France is part of an ongoing judicial investigation. It is in no way a political decision. It is the judge who will decide this case,” Macron said.
The president’s statement came after Russia responded angrily, calling the move politically motivated and an infringement of freedom of speech. The situation is complicated for the Kremlin because Durov is also a French national (and holds a UAE passport).
Russia’s forceful defense of Durov comes six years after it first tried to ban Telegram for its continued refusal to hand over its encryption code. The messaging app remained blocked until 2020, when the decision was later reversed.
Featured Image: Steve Jennings/Getty Images/Flickr/Creative Commons 2.0
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