Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of Telegram, has been arraigned before a French investigative judge who will determine whether to formally charge him following his arrest in Paris on Saturday.
The arrest, which occurred as Durov arrived on a private jet, is part of a broader investigation into organized crime linked to the messaging app.
Durov’s detention has sparked a debate on the responsibility of app providers and the balance between freedom of speech and legal enforcement. The French judge, who had been questioning Durov, is expected to decide by 8 p.m. (18 : 00 GMT) whether to proceed with formal charges. This decision is crucial, as being placed under formal investigation means that there is enough evidence to justify further examination of the case, though it does not imply guilt or guarantee a trial.
The probe has also drawn attention to Telegram’s complex relationship with governments, given the app’s substantial user base of nearly 1 billion. French President Emmanuel Macron, known for his use of Telegram, had previously met with Durov in 2018 as part of his engagements with tech leaders.
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If formal charges are filed, judges will also consider whether Durov should be held in pretrial detention, weighing factors such as the risk of flight. Reports suggest that an arrest warrant may have also been issued for Durov’s brother, Nikolai, a co-founder of Telegram, though the Paris prosecutor’s office declined to confirm this.
The investigation involves a range of allegations, including operating a platform used for illicit transactions, possessing abusive images, drug trafficking, fraud, and failure to cooperate with authorities. However, specifics on Durov’s alleged involvement remain unclear.
In response to the situation, Telegram asserted that Durov is transparent and travels frequently across Europe, denying claims of responsibility for misuse of the platform. French President Macron has publicly defended France’s commitment to free speech and judicial independence, distancing his government from the arrest.
The French foreign ministry is yet to address a report suggesting that French and UAE authorities may have previously accessed Durov’s phone, as Durov has been a French citizen since 2021.
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