Paris, August 29, 2024 — Pavel Durov, the Russian-born CEO of the messaging app Telegram, has been granted bail by French authorities after being formally placed under investigation on multiple serious charges. The high-profile investigation has ignited debates around the balance between freedom of speech and the enforcement of the law, as Durov’s app has become a hub for both legitimate and illicit activities.
Durov was detained on Saturday after arriving in Paris on a private jet. Following his arrest, French judicial authorities launched a formal investigation into Durov’s role in allegedly aiding and abetting criminal activities on Telegram. The charges include suspected complicity in operating an online platform that facilitates illicit transactions, distribution of child sex abuse images, drug trafficking, and fraud. Additionally, he is accused of refusing to cooperate with authorities by withholding crucial information, engaging in money laundering, and providing cryptographic services to criminals.
The Paris prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, announced on Wednesday that an investigative judge determined there was sufficient evidence to formally proceed with the investigation on all charges. While being placed under formal investigation in France does not imply guilt, it indicates that the judicial system considers the evidence significant enough to pursue further inquiries.
Durov has been granted bail under the strict conditions that he pay a five-million-euro ($5.56m) deposit and is barred from leaving France. He is also required to sign in with the police twice a week. Durov’s legal representative, David-Olivier Kaminski, dismissed the charges as “absurd,” arguing that Durov could not be held responsible for criminal activities conducted by users on the Telegram platform. “Telegram complies fully with European digital regulations,” Kaminski asserted.
The investigation was reportedly sparked by Telegram’s “near-total absence of a response” to repeated requests from French authorities for cooperation in criminal investigations. The Paris prosecutor’s office cybercrime unit initiated the probe in February 2024, citing a lack of compliance from Telegram that was also echoed by other European partners, including Belgium.
In response to the ongoing investigation, Telegram issued a statement asserting its adherence to European Union laws and its commitment to maintaining industry-standard moderation practices. The company emphasized that Durov, who holds citizenship in Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, has “nothing to hide” and frequently travels within Europe.
The case has drawn international attention, with the UAE Foreign Ministry closely monitoring the situation and Russia expressing readiness to provide support to Durov. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted the complexity of the situation due to Durov’s multiple citizenships but underscored Moscow’s commitment to ensuring Durov’s legal rights.
The arrest has also prompted comments from high-profile figures, including X owner Elon Musk, who criticized France for what he perceives as an attack on freedom of speech. In a rare public statement, French President Emmanuel Macron took to X to refute these claims, asserting that the investigation is independent and not politically motivated. Macron emphasized that while France is committed to freedom of expression, such freedoms must operate within the boundaries of the law to protect citizens and uphold their rights.
As the investigation unfolds, Durov’s future remains uncertain, with legal experts predicting that the case could take years to resolve, potentially culminating in a trial or being shelved.
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