Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has been formally charged by French prosecutors with enabling criminal activities on the messaging platform Telegram. The charges include facilitating organized crime, drug trafficking, fraud, and the distribution of child pornography.
French authorities initiated an investigation in February 2024 due to what they described as a “near total absence of response” from Telegram to multiple official requests for information. Durov, who is a 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire, has been in French custody since his arrest last Saturday and remains under strict judicial supervision.
Specific Charges Laid Against Durov
Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau revealed the specific charges against Durov following an extensive hearing with two investigating magistrates. Among the charges is complicity in the administration of an online platform to enable illicit transactions by an organized group. This charge alone could lead to a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of 500,000 euros ($555,830). Other charges include:
- Refusing to provide documents required by law enforcement
- Disseminating child pornography within an organized group
- Engaging in drug trafficking
- Committing fraud
- Involvement in money laundering
Durov was granted conditional release after posting a bail of 5 million euros, provided he remains in France and reports to a police station twice a week. Despite his release, Durov’s movements are restricted, and he cannot leave the country while the investigation continues.
Telegram, which Durov founded a decade ago as he was leaving Russia, has grown significantly, now boasting over 900 million users worldwide. Known for its privacy features and resistance to censorship, the platform has faced criticism for being a haven for illegal content, ranging from extreme sexual imagery to narcotics sales. Durov, who is a citizen of Russia, France, and the United Arab Emirates, where Telegram is headquartered, has been criticized for not doing enough to prevent the platform’s misuse. In response to the charges, Telegram stated that it adheres to European Union laws and reiterated that Durov has “nothing to hide.”
Debate Over Free Speech and Regulation
Durov’s arrest and subsequent charges have raised questions regarding freedom of speech and the regulation of digital platforms. Critics argue that platforms like Telegram have a responsibility to prevent the spread of illegal content, while supporters see Durov as a champion of free expression. French President Emmanuel Macron, who reportedly had several meetings with Durov before granting him French citizenship in 2021, denied that the arrest was politically motivated, emphasizing that the judiciary would handle the case independently.
International reactions to Durov’s arrest have been varied. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov commented on the seriousness of the charges, warning against using them as a means to restrict freedom of communication or intimidate business leaders. The United Arab Emirates has requested consular access to Durov, while notable figures like Elon Musk have shown public support for him, using the hashtag #FreePavel on social media.
Durov’s background and his decision to leave Russia a decade ago have been subjects of speculation. Despite his departure from Russia, records indicate that Durov visited the country multiple times between 2015 and 2021, suggesting that his move was not an outright exile.
Featured Image courtesy of Albert Gea/REUTERS
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