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".

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

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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.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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