The head of Telegram, Pavel Durov, is currently under scrutiny for allegations of physical abuse towards his child, which was reported in Switzerland in 2023. His ex-partner lodged the complaint, accusing him of inflicting violence upon their child.
Durov, a Russian native, holds citizenships from several countries, including France. He was arrested at Le Bourget Airport in Paris last Saturday night for failing to take sufficient measures to prevent the use of Telegram for illegal activities.
The platform, established in 2013 as an alternative to American services, is known for its reluctance to share user information with authorities, even in cases of criminal activities.
His arrest has sparked concern within the Telegram community, given his direct involvement in the platform's policies and operations.
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The legal proceedings against Durov in France involve charges of complicity in managing a platform that allows illicit transactions by an organized group. He was indicted and detained at Le Bourget airport out of Paris on August 24, 2024, and is currently under judicial supervision. Durov is required to report to the police station twice a week and is prohibited from leaving France. He was released on bail for 5 million euros ($5.2 million) shortly after his arrest.
The French prosecutor's office has accused Durov of noncompliance with police requests, which they claim has hindered over 2,460 cases between 2013 and 2024 in various departments. The investigation is ongoing, and it is expected to take at least a year or more before it goes to trial.
Telegram has maintained that Durov has nothing to hide and that it complies with all European rules concerning digital technology. The case also has international involvement, as the United Arab Emirates is closely following the situation and has asked France to provide Durov with all necessary consular services. The Kremlin has commented on the allegations, expressing the need for evidence to dismiss suspicions of political motivation.
