Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Released On €5 Million Bail Amid Serious Charges : will appear in court: French prosecutors

Saumya Joshi, One India, August 29, 2024  : Telegram founder Pavel Durov was released on a €5 million ($5.55 million) bond. 

As part of the conditions of his release, he is required to stay in France and report to a police station twice a week until the investigation concludes. 

The French legal system, which is managed by special magistrates with extensive investigative powers, has announced these charges before the completion of evidence gathering. Such charges may be dropped if they cannot be substantiated, as per Russian Media report. 

The investigation into Durov began in February, contrary to the statement released by prosecutors on Monday, which suggested that the probe had started only last month. The investigation is being led by OFMIN, a French agency responsible for investigating crimes against minors.

Telegram's Position and Reactions Telegram, which has nearly a billion monthly users, typically refuses to comply with requests for user data or chat records from law enforcement. In response to the charges, the company stated that it adheres to local laws and dismissed allegations that it or its founder is responsible for any abuse of the platform. 

The arrest of Durov has been criticized by anti-censorship activists who view it as part of a broader campaign against free speech orchestrated by Western governments. 

Edward Snowden, the NSA whistleblower, has accused France of effectively taking Durov "hostage" to gain access to private communications on Telegram. French President Emmanuel Macron has denied any political motives behind Durov's arrest, emphasizing that France remains committed to protecting freedom of expression and communication.

It remains uncertain whether Durov has been coerced into providing user data since his arrest. Sergey Naryshkin, head of Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), has suggested that there may be efforts to pressure Durov into disclosing this information. 

Naryshkin expressed hope that Durov would resist such coercion, highlighting the ongoing tension surrounding this high-profile case. As the legal proceedings continue, the situation remains fluid, with significant implications for both Durov and Telegram, as well as broader discussions about privacy and freedom of speech.

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has been formally indicted by a French court on a series of serious charges. The court has also imposed a restriction barring him from leaving France until the resolution of the case against him. Indictment Details Durov appeared before a magistrates' court in Paris on Wednesday, just days after his arrest upon arrival from Azerbaijan. 

The indictment includes a dozen charges, among them complicity in "administering an online platform" that was allegedly used by a criminal gang to conduct illicit transactions, as reported by RT News.

What Led To Telegram Founder Pavel Durov’s Arrest At The Paris Airport? This charge carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. Other charges leveled against Durov include facilitating fraud, money laundering, and the distribution of narcotics and child pornography. He is also accused of refusing to provide user data to law enforcement authorities, which further complicates his legal situation.

French prosecutors on Wednesday (August 28, 2024) freed Telegram CEO Pavel Durov from police custody after four days of questioning over allegations that the platform is being used for illegal activities.
Mr. Durov was detained on Saturday (August 24, 2024) at Le Bourget airport outside Paris as part of a judicial inquiry opened last month involving 12 alleged criminal violations.

“An investigating judge has ended Pavel Durov’s police custody and will have him brought to court for a first appearance and a possible indictment,” a statement from the Paris prosecutor’s office said.

Other allegations against Mr. Durov, who is a French citizen, include that his platform is being used for child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking, fraud and abetting organised crime transactions and that Telegram refused to share information or documents with investigators when required by law.