Pavel Durov, the founder of messaging app Telegram, has been placed under formal investigation in France as part of a probe into organized crime on the platform. The 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire, who is also a French national, has been released under judicial supervision and must pay a €5m deposit.
Durov is accused of complicity in the administration of an online platform to enable illicit transactions by an organized gang, refusal to communicate with authorities, and complicity in organized criminal distribution of sexual images of children.
His lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, denied the allegations, stating that Telegram complies with European digital regulations and is moderated to the same standards as other social networks. Kaminski called the suggestion that Durov could be involved in criminal acts “absurd”.
The investigation has sparked a debate about freedom of speech and accountability, with Elon Musk defending Durov and calling for his release. Chris Pavlovski, founder of video-sharing app Rumble, has fled Europe following Durov’s detention.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the decision to hold Durov was “in no way… political” and that France is committed to freedom of expression.
Telegram, which has over 950 million registered users, has repeatedly refused to join international programs aimed at detecting and removing child abuse material online. The company has insisted that its moderation tools meet industry standards.
Durov, who also founded VKontakte, left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with government demands to shut down opposition communities on the platform. He holds multiple passports, including those of St Kitts and Nevis and the United Arab Emirates.
