Paris prosecutor calls Durov’s case ‘exemplary’
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau has stated that a probe into Telegram was initiated due to the platform's failure to comply with requests to identify cybercriminals. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
France has initiated an investigation into the Telegram app after the platform failed to comply with requests to identify cybercriminals, according to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau.
The legal action targeting Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, highlights the French government's ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime. Durov was apprehended upon his arrival in Paris in late August and faces several charges including non-cooperation with law enforcement and operating an online service allegedly utilized by organized criminals for illicit activities such as trafficking and child sexual abuse. Despite holding multiple citizenships, including French, UAE, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, Durov, who is a billionaire, was released on a €5 million bail and is currently restricted from leaving France while the investigation proceeds.
In a recent interview with RTL Radio, Beccuau remarked, “this case is exemplary in terms of the actions taken by the cybercrime unit of the Paris Prosecutor’s Office.”
She also mentioned that her office had previously dealt with similar issues involving other platforms like the Coco chat website and the Sky ECC encrypted messenger, which have since been shut down.
Beccuau pointed out the growing concern of organized crime in digital spaces, prompting France to adjust its laws by introducing a new criminal charge for operating an online platform that facilitates illegal activities — a charge Durov now faces.
She explained the specifics of the case against Telegram, noting that the Paris Prosecutor’s Office cybercrime unit had repeatedly approached Telegram to assist in identifying individuals involved in criminal activities, particularly those related to child pornography, but the platform failed to comply.
Beccuau confirmed that Durov is adhering to his bail conditions, which include reporting to the police twice weekly.
Durov has defended his platform in a public statement, refuting claims that Telegram serves as an anarchic hub. He highlighted the platform's efforts in removing harmful content and maintaining transparency through daily reports about measures against the spread of illegal content, including child abuse and terrorism.
Durov also emphasized his previous cooperation with French authorities to combat terrorism and expressed Telegram’s willingness to continue collaborating with governmental bodies to balance privacy and security concerns.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
The legal action targeting Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, highlights the French government's ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime. Durov was apprehended upon his arrival in Paris in late August and faces several charges including non-cooperation with law enforcement and operating an online service allegedly utilized by organized criminals for illicit activities such as trafficking and child sexual abuse. Despite holding multiple citizenships, including French, UAE, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, Durov, who is a billionaire, was released on a €5 million bail and is currently restricted from leaving France while the investigation proceeds.
In a recent interview with RTL Radio, Beccuau remarked, “this case is exemplary in terms of the actions taken by the cybercrime unit of the Paris Prosecutor’s Office.”
She also mentioned that her office had previously dealt with similar issues involving other platforms like the Coco chat website and the Sky ECC encrypted messenger, which have since been shut down.
Beccuau pointed out the growing concern of organized crime in digital spaces, prompting France to adjust its laws by introducing a new criminal charge for operating an online platform that facilitates illegal activities — a charge Durov now faces.
She explained the specifics of the case against Telegram, noting that the Paris Prosecutor’s Office cybercrime unit had repeatedly approached Telegram to assist in identifying individuals involved in criminal activities, particularly those related to child pornography, but the platform failed to comply.
Beccuau confirmed that Durov is adhering to his bail conditions, which include reporting to the police twice weekly.
Durov has defended his platform in a public statement, refuting claims that Telegram serves as an anarchic hub. He highlighted the platform's efforts in removing harmful content and maintaining transparency through daily reports about measures against the spread of illegal content, including child abuse and terrorism.
Durov also emphasized his previous cooperation with French authorities to combat terrorism and expressed Telegram’s willingness to continue collaborating with governmental bodies to balance privacy and security concerns.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
