Pavel Durov, the founder of messaging app Telegram, was released from police custody in France on Wednesday and transferred to court for questioning ahead of a potential indictment, prosecutors told CNN. The release comes days after his arrest at Paris’s Bourget Airport, which has sparked controversy and concerns over free speech.
Durov, a Russian-born billionaire, was detained on Saturday on a warrant related to Telegram’s lack of content moderation. He is under investigation for alleged complicity in aiding crimes, including fraud, drug trafficking, and the dissemination of child pornography through the platform. Telegram has also faced scrutiny for its use by terrorist groups and far-right extremists.
Court Proceedings and Potential Charges
Durov, 39, was held for up to 96 hours, the maximum period allowed under French law before formal charges must be filed. Following his release, he was transported from the anti-fraud office near Paris to a court in the French capital for initial questioning, which could lead to an indictment.
The arrest has intensified debates over freedom of speech, particularly in Russia and Ukraine, where Telegram is widely used as a communication tool among military personnel and citizens amid the ongoing conflict between the two nations. The Kremlin has attempted to reassure Russian users about the app’s future, with a government spokesperson urging people not to delete sensitive messages from the platform.
International Reactions and Legal Context
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation, stating that the decision to pursue charges against Durov was “in no way political.” The arrest of Durov, often dubbed the “Mark Zuckerberg of Russia,” has sparked concerns among advocates of free speech and privacy.
Durov, who launched Telegram in 2013 with his brother Nikolai, has built the app into one of the world’s most widely used messaging platforms, boasting over 950 million users as of last month. Conversations on Telegram are encrypted, limiting oversight by law enforcement agencies and the platform itself.
Durov, estimated to have a net worth of $9.15 billion, has maintained a high-profile, globe-trotting lifestyle. He has defended Telegram’s privacy policies, stating, “You cannot make it safe against criminals and open for governments. It’s either secure or not secure.”
Following the announcement of his release, the blockchain associated with Telegram, TON, saw a 7% increase.
Durov’s legal troubles and their potential implications continue to be closely watched as the situation unfolds in the coming days.
