- Telegram boss banned from leaving France in criminal probe
- Durov was put under formal investigation over alleged offences that included: Complicity in the administration of an online platform to enable illicit transactions by an organised gang, Refusal to communicate with authorities & Complicity in organised criminal distribution of sexual images of children
Telegram boss banned from leaving France in criminal probe
Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, has been placed under formal investigation in France over alleged involvement in organised crime facilitated through the messaging app, according to Paris prosecutors. Durov, 39, is not in custody but is under judicial supervision, requiring him to pay a €5 million deposit, report to a French police station twice a week, and remain within French territory.
The Russian-born billionaire, who holds French citizenship, was detained last Saturday at Le Bourget airport near Paris under a warrant related to activities on the Telegram platform. The investigation against Durov includes allegations of complicity in operating an online platform for illegal transactions by an organized group, refusal to cooperate with authorities, and complicity in the distribution of child sexual abuse images by an organised network.
In France, being placed under formal investigation does not equate to guilt but suggests there is sufficient evidence for judges to pursue an inquiry. Durov has not yet commented publicly on the case.