French Prosecutors Disclose Charges Against Durov
The founder of Telegram is confronting numerous allegations, including his involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The office of the Paris Public Prosecutor has detailed numerous allegations against Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, including accusations such as aiding in drug trafficking and money laundering, as well as involvement in the distribution of child pornography.
Detained last Saturday by French authorities, the 39-year-old Russian who also has citizenship in France, the UAE, and St. Kitts and Nevis, was taken into custody upon his arrival in Paris from Azerbaijan. The allegations were disclosed following his arrest.
According to a statement by Prosecutor Laure Beccuau on Monday, Durov's arrest is a component of a larger criminal investigation targeting an unidentified individual. This investigation is considering 12 specific charges against Durov, which range from facilitating the distribution of narcotics to participation in organized crime, money laundering, and involvement in the circulation of child pornography.
The investigation also includes accusations that Durov failed to cooperate in probes related to cybercrime and financial misconduct, added Beccuau.
From the perspective of the legal system in France, where special magistrates conduct criminal investigations, the accusations against Durov have been made public while the evidence collection process is still ongoing. Such investigations can extend over several years, and charges may be withdrawn if they are not substantiated by sufficient evidence.
Initiated last month, this investigation is being spearheaded by French offices specializing in anti-cybercrime and anti-fraud activities.
Telegram, voicing its stance on Sunday, criticized the allegations as “absurd,” asserting that neither a platform nor its owner should be held responsible for misuse of the service. The company emphasized its compliance with local regulations, including the EU’s Digital Rights Act (DSA) and anti-Russian sanctions.
Telegram, known for its stringent privacy policies and refusal to share user data with authorities, has nearly a billion users globally. Durov has previously highlighted that his commitment to privacy has made him and his platform targets for intelligence operations globally, including an alleged attempt by the FBI to infiltrate Telegram.
Following Durov’s arrest, figures like NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, Tesla and X owner Elon Musk, American broadcaster Tucker Carlson, and investor David Sacks have criticized the action as a suppression of free speech.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation on social media, clarifying that the arrest was strictly judicial and not politically motivated. Macron reaffirmed France's commitment to freedom of expression and enterprise.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
Detained last Saturday by French authorities, the 39-year-old Russian who also has citizenship in France, the UAE, and St. Kitts and Nevis, was taken into custody upon his arrival in Paris from Azerbaijan. The allegations were disclosed following his arrest.
According to a statement by Prosecutor Laure Beccuau on Monday, Durov's arrest is a component of a larger criminal investigation targeting an unidentified individual. This investigation is considering 12 specific charges against Durov, which range from facilitating the distribution of narcotics to participation in organized crime, money laundering, and involvement in the circulation of child pornography.
The investigation also includes accusations that Durov failed to cooperate in probes related to cybercrime and financial misconduct, added Beccuau.
From the perspective of the legal system in France, where special magistrates conduct criminal investigations, the accusations against Durov have been made public while the evidence collection process is still ongoing. Such investigations can extend over several years, and charges may be withdrawn if they are not substantiated by sufficient evidence.
Initiated last month, this investigation is being spearheaded by French offices specializing in anti-cybercrime and anti-fraud activities.
Telegram, voicing its stance on Sunday, criticized the allegations as “absurd,” asserting that neither a platform nor its owner should be held responsible for misuse of the service. The company emphasized its compliance with local regulations, including the EU’s Digital Rights Act (DSA) and anti-Russian sanctions.
Telegram, known for its stringent privacy policies and refusal to share user data with authorities, has nearly a billion users globally. Durov has previously highlighted that his commitment to privacy has made him and his platform targets for intelligence operations globally, including an alleged attempt by the FBI to infiltrate Telegram.
Following Durov’s arrest, figures like NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, Tesla and X owner Elon Musk, American broadcaster Tucker Carlson, and investor David Sacks have criticized the action as a suppression of free speech.
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation on social media, clarifying that the arrest was strictly judicial and not politically motivated. Macron reaffirmed France's commitment to freedom of expression and enterprise.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
