Telegram's Founder Faces Heat in France Over Alleged Aid to Criminal Activities
In a twist of events, French legal authorities have launched an investigation into Telegram's creator, Pavel Durov, a Russian-French national, and placed him under judicial scrutiny. The Paris prosecutor's office reportedly accused Durov of non-compliance with law enforcement in criminal probes and aiding in such activities.
The weekend saw an unexpected detention and questioning of Durov by a magistrate, who later released him under stringent conditions. The Telegram chief is now obliged to post a €5 million bail, report to the police twice a week, and is forbidden from leaving France. The length of the investigation remains undisclosed by French authorities.
France's Suspicions against Telegram's Founder
France suspects that Durov has possibly aided in drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and child abuse-related offenses through his lack of action on Telegram and insufficient cooperation with authorities. The refusal to comply with authorized wiretapping measures also adds fuel to the accusations. As a result, Durov found himself wanted by the French authorities. He was apprehended at an airport near Paris on Saturday night, and the allegations against him have been under investigation since February.
The probe against Durov may potentially lead to a criminal trial, should investigating officers find substantial evidence against him. Alternatively, they could choose to drop the case altogether. The sheer allegation of assisting in illegal transactions through the chat service could result in up to ten years of imprisonment and a fine of €500,000, as indicated by the prosecutor's office.
Telegram: Denying the Allegations
Telegram denies the accusations, asserting adherence to all applicable rules and no intention of hiding anything. It dismisses the idea of holding a platform or its owner accountable for activities condemned by external users.
Since its debut in 2013, the social messaging app has accumulated nearly a billion users and has over a hundred million mobile device installations. The controversy and denial of accusations mark a period of challenge and heightened scrutiny for Telegram, particularly in relation to its stance on illegal activities and transparency.
Given the investment in an ongoing investigation against Telegram's creator, Pavel Durov, by French legal authorities, due to alleged non-compliance with law enforcement and aiding in criminal activities, the accusations stem from the alleged involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, and child abuse-related offenses. If found guilty, Durov could face up to ten years in prison and a fine of €500,000 in relation to aiding illegal transactions through the chat service.
The controversy and potential criminal trial in Paris highlight the ongoing challenges and scrutiny faced by Telegram in relation to its stance on illegal activities and transparency.
