SwedenLivingWorld world_2_fill WorldBusiness BusinessSports sports-soccer SportsEntertainmentEntertain

Telegram CEO Durov Formally Charged with Crime

Prosecutors in France have now formally charged, on preliminary grounds, Telegram's CEO Pavel Durov with a crime. Durov is no longer detained, but is not allowed to leave France during the ongoing investigation. His lawyer believes the charges are "absurd".

» Updated: 29 August 2024, 24:33

» Published: 28 August 2024

Telegram CEO Durov Formally Charged with Crime
Photo: Tatan Syuflana/AP/TT

Durov was arrested on Saturday when he arrived at Bourget Airport outside Paris. He was released on Wednesday after being questioned by police for four days.

He was brought before a preparatory court hearing during the day, according to the Paris prosecutor's office and responsible prosecutor Laure Beccuau.

No submitted document

The 39-year-old Durov has initially been suspected of not taking action against criminals using the messaging service to commit crimes. Telegram is also said not to have shared information or submitted documents to the investigation, despite being required by law to do so.

Durov must report to the police twice a week and deposit five million euros, equivalent to approximately 57 million kronor, as bail.

Durov's lawyer David-Olivier Kaminski was highly critical of the charges:

It is absolutely absurd to say that the head of a social network is involved in criminal activities.

The lawyer added that Telegram "follows all European laws regarding digital technology" in every respect.

The investigation into Durov is led, among others, by Ofmin, a part of the French judiciary that works against exploitation, violence, and abuse of children and young people.

Multiple citizenships

Durov is a citizen of Russia, France, the United Arab Emirates, and the island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Russia has previously warned France against trying to "intimidate" the detained Telegram CEO, and that they are infringing on freedom of speech.

Paris responds that the arrest has no political grounds, and that the judiciary is investigating Durov.

Tags
TTT
By TTThis article has been altered and translated by Sweden Herald

More news

Scattering Ashes at Machu Picchu – Security Tightened
1 MIN READ

Scattering Ashes at Machu Picchu – Security Tightened

Zelensky: Putin is testing you
1 MIN READ

Zelensky: Putin is testing you

Biden: ICC Order Scandalous
1 MIN READ

Biden: ICC Order Scandalous

Trump chooses new Justice Minister after resignation
1 MIN READ

Trump chooses new Justice Minister after resignation

Norway: Suspected spy worked at the US Embassy
1 MIN READ

Norway: Suspected spy worked at the US Embassy

Pistorius does not want to take over power from Scholz
1 MIN READ

Pistorius does not want to take over power from Scholz

40 People Killed in Attack in Pakistan
1 MIN READ

40 People Killed in Attack in Pakistan

Police Investigation: Prosecute Bolsonaro for Coup Attempt
1 MIN READ

Police Investigation: Prosecute Bolsonaro for Coup Attempt

Reports: North Korean General Injured in Ukraine
1 MIN READ

Reports: North Korean General Injured in Ukraine

Gaetz drops out after suspicions of buying sex
2 MIN READ

Gaetz drops out after suspicions of buying sex

USA imposes new sanctions on Russia
1 MIN READ

USA imposes new sanctions on Russia

Russia significantly increases defense budget
1 MIN READ

Russia significantly increases defense budget

Foreign Minister: Sweden Supports the ICC's Work
2 MIN READ

Foreign Minister: Sweden Supports the ICC's Work

Expert: ICC decision puts Germany in a difficult situation
2 MIN READ

Expert: ICC decision puts Germany in a difficult situation

ICC: Netanyahu and Gallant guilty of war crimes
3 MIN READ

ICC: Netanyahu and Gallant guilty of war crimes

Trump's choice of minister investigated for assault
2 MIN READ

Trump's choice of minister investigated for assault

Kristersson on the attack: Trying to intimidate the West
2 MIN READ

Kristersson on the attack: Trying to intimidate the West

Mette-Marit's Son Will Not Appeal Detention Order
1 MIN READ

Mette-Marit's Son Will Not Appeal Detention Order

Expert: We are not closer to a nuclear war
2 MIN READ

Expert: We are not closer to a nuclear war

Half a Billion to Ukraine's Defense Industry
1 MIN READ

Half a Billion to Ukraine's Defense Industry