Pavel Durov, boss of Telegram, walks free from French prison
Famed Telegram co-creator Pavel Durov was freed from custody after a judge in France granted him bail. In a turn of events, Durov was brought before a judge following accusations such as neglecting to aid in criminal probes and aiding criminal activities, as reported by France's prosecutor's office. He too was placed under close supervision by the judicial system. The bail sum for Durov was set at an expensive €5 million, and he was asked to check in with the police twice a week, with the option to leave France being prohibited, as declared by the prosecutor's office.
A lengthy investigation against Durov has been underway, targeting him for involvement in illicit activities like drug sales, money laundering, deceit, and various other child exploitation-related offenses. Allegedly, Durov skirted accountability by failing to address such unlawful activities on Telegram and refusing to cooperate with authorities. Additionally, disregard for authorized wiretapping orders is also a major accusation levied against him. As the most-wanted, Durov was apprehended at an airport in the vicinity of Paris on Saturday night.
Ten-year penitentiary sentence threatened for Durov
The investigation against Durov could potentially end in trial if ample evidence against him is unearthed. Alternatively, should insufficient evidence be found, the case might be vacated. With respect to the allegation of colluding in unlawful transactions utilizing the chat service, Durov risks up to a decade in prison and a staggering €500,000 fine.
Under defense, Telegram upheld Durov against the charges, priding themselves on adhering to all pertinent regulations. Telegram representatives firmly stance that Durov has no skeletons in his closet and that applying responsibility to a platform or its owner for transgressions carried out by external entities is preposterous.
Telegram's reputation has faced controversy for some time now, with critics citing their lack of effectiveness in tackling hate speech and other illegal activities. While Telegram refutes these claims, insisting they remain faithful to the industry's prevailing norms, the company continues to combat these criticisms.
Request for Durov's return to Russia denied by French authorities
Following his detention, Durov's counsel sought permission to bring him back to his home country, Russia. The French authorities, however, rejected this request, suggesting the gravity of the allegations levied against him.
According to Durov's legal team, he has not received adequate medical attention for his pre-existing health ailments in France, known for its stringent laws and uncompromising judicial system. These claims are set to be probed intently by the French authorities.
