Telegram founder Pavel Durov faces criminal charges in France, accused of allowing illegal activities on his messaging app. Detained at a Paris airport, Durov is barred from leaving France and must comply with strict bail conditions. The case has sparked controversy, particularly in Russia.
Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of Telegram, has been charged with allowing criminal activity on his messaging platform and barred from leaving France.
The 39-year-old was detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris and released after four days of questioning. The charges include allegations that Telegram was used for child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking, with the platform refusing to cooperate with legal investigations.
Durov was ordered to pay a €5 million bail and must report to the police twice weekly. Russia has condemned his arrest, calling it politically motivated, while French President Emmanuel Macron insisted the investigation is independent and not politically driven.
Telegram defended its practices, stating that it complies with EU laws and maintains industry-standard moderation. The incident has sparked international debate on freedom of expression and the responsibilities of tech platforms in policing illegal content.
Durov, who holds citizenship in France, Russia, the UAE, and St. Kitts and Nevis, is under close scrutiny as the legal process unfolds.
The situation has highlighted tensions between tech companies and governments regarding privacy and legal accountability.
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