- France initiates scrutiny towards Telegram's founder
French Authorities Start Probe Against Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, Impose Restrictions
The French justice system has initiated an investigation against Pavel Durov, the creator of the contentious messaging application Telegram, and imposed judicial restrictions on the Franco-Russian individual. According to the Paris prosecutor's office, this move stems from rumors of refusal to cooperate with law enforcement in probes and facilitating criminal activities.
Following his arrest on Saturday and interrogation by a judge, Durov was released on Wednesday evening, but subject to stringent conditions. He has to post a bail of five million euros, present himself to the police twice a week, and cannot leave France, as per the prosecutor's office's announcement. The duration of the investigation remains unclear.
Durov Alleged to Aid Uncooperative Investigations
In France, there are indications that Durov has colluded in acts such as drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and child abuse-related offenses by inaction on Telegram and failing to collaborate effectively with authorities. He is also accused of disregarding legitimate wiretapping orders. The Franco-Russian was wanted by the authorities. On Saturday evening, Durov was apprehended at an airport near Paris. According to the prosecutor's office, investigations against Durov have been in progress since February.
Durov Faces Potential Decade-Long Imprisonment
The investigation against Durov may culminate in a criminal trial if investigators discover substantial evidence against the suspect. Alternatively, they can also close the case. For merely aiding illegal transactions through the messaging service, Durov faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of 500,000 euros, as per the prosecutor's office.
Telegram contests the allegations. The company insists that it adheres to all relevant regulations. Durov maintains that he has nothing to conceal. Moreover, it is "ludicrous" to implicate a platform or its owner for the misuse of the service by third parties. According to Durov, the messaging service, launched in 2013, now boasts around one billion users and is installed as an app on hundreds of millions of mobile devices.
Telegram has been under fire for some time for inadequately addressing hate speech and other illegal activities. The messaging service is criticized, among other things, for operating as a covert platform that permits criminals, including terrorists, drug dealers, and war propagandists, to organize more freely than on other social networks. Durov relocated to other countries due to his refusal to collaborate with the Russian authorities. The company highlights that it is "in line with industry standards."
The Commission, presumably referring to the French legal or investigative body, has been involved in overseeing the investigation against Durov for his alleged aids in uncooperative investigations and facilitating criminal activities. If found guilty, Durov could face severe penalties, including a decade-long imprisonment, as decided by The Commission.
