Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Released from French Custody Under Mysterious Circumstances

Pavel Durov, the mastermind behind Telegram, has been freed from French custody but continues to be engulfed in a legal quagmire.

At a Glance

French authorities charged Telegram CEO Pavel Durov with allowing alleged criminal activity on his messaging app.
Durov was detained at Le Bourget airport outside Paris and released after four days of questioning.
He is required to pay 5 million euros in bail and report to a police station twice a week.
Allegations include the use of Telegram for child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking, and refusal to share information with investigators.
Durov’s arrest has caused outrage in Russia, with claims of political motivation.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated the arrest is part of an independent investigation, not politically motivated.

Arrest and Release

Pavel Durov, the 39-year-old founder of Telegram, faced a tumultuous week as French authorities detained him at Le Bourget airport outside Paris. Detained for four days, he was subjected to extensive questioning. After paying a hefty bail of 5 million euros, Durov was released but must now report to a police station twice a week.

The arrest stemmed from allegations that Telegram has been used for illicit activities, including child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking. Moreover, French authorities accuse Durov of refusing to share information critical to their investigations. French prosecutors confirmed that Durov is facing “initial questioning and possible indictment” related to organized crime activities linked to the Telegram messaging app.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov released from police custody in Paris and transferred to court to learn fate after arrest, French media reports https://t.co/BbyDJfIS4N

— CNN (@CNN) August 28, 2024

Political Implications and Reactions

Durov’s arrest has intensified tensions between Russia and France. Russia has expressed outrage, claiming the arrest is politically motivated. However, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that the investigation is entirely independent and not influenced by external political pressures. Macron stated that France “is deeply committed” to freedom of expression but “freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.”

“freedoms are upheld within a legal framework, both on social media and in real life, to protect citizens and respect their fundamental rights.” – Emmanuel Macron

This arrest has significant implications for Telegram’s global operations. Durov holds citizenship in multiple countries, including Russia, France, UAE, and St. Kitts and Nevis. The UAE Foreign Ministry is closely following the case and has requested consular services for Durov.

⚡️Pavel Durov released from custody and leaves Paris courthouse pic.twitter.com/xfxCQMoe1u

— RT (@RT_com) August 28, 2024

Charges and Next Steps

Durov faces preliminary charges that include complicity in managing an online platform for illicit transactions by an organized group. Under French law, these preliminary charges allow more time for investigative work. His lawyer has called these charges “totally absurd,” emphasizing that Durov is “at this stage, the only person implicated in this case.” If formally indicted, the court will decide whether Durov should remain in pretrial detention, considering his potential flight risk.

“initial questioning and possible indictment” – French Prosecutors

Amid these legal intricacies, the probe also targets his brother, Nikolai Durov, for whom an arrest warrant has been issued. This case has escalated tensions not just politically, but also over the accountability of technology platforms for content regulation.

Impact on Telegram

Telegram has faced criticism from Western governments due to perceived insufficient content moderation. The platform was fined $5 million by Germany in 2022 for not complying with laws on reporting illegal content. France’s investigation into Telegram began in February due to its lack of response to judicial requests for data.

“within industry standards and constantly improving.” – Telegram

The outcome of Durov’s legal battles will undoubtedly shape the future of Telegram and its operations worldwide. For now, Durov remains barred from leaving France, signaling that this saga is far from over.