French authorities have charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with allegations that his messaging app has been used by child sexual abusers, organized crime syndicates, drug traffickers, and fraudsters, according to a report by Sky News.
The Russian-born billionaire was detained in France on Saturday after arriving at Le Bourget airport near Paris on his private jet. He is also accused of refusing to cooperate with investigators by not allowing his app to share information or documents.
French judges have prohibited the 39-year-old entrepreneur from leaving the country until the investigation is concluded but granted him release on a €5 million bail, sparing him from being held in custody.
In a statement released on Monday, Telegram denied any wrongdoing, asserting that it has not violated any European Union laws, and its moderation practices are “within industry standards and continuously improving.”
The statement added, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner is responsible for the misuse of that platform. Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe. We anticipate a swift resolution of this matter. Telegram stands with you all.”
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron took to his X handle on Monday to support Mr. Durov’s arrest, emphasizing France’s strong commitment to freedom of expression, communication, innovation, and the spirit of entrepreneurship.
He affirmed that these freedoms are upheld within a legal framework to protect citizens’ fundamental rights in a law-abiding society.
He further stated, “It is the judiciary’s role, in full independence, to enforce the law,” clarifying that Mr. Durov’s arrest “on French soil was part of an ongoing judicial investigation and not a political decision.”
