Nikolas Sargeant
Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of Telegram, has been released on €5 million bail following his arrest at a French airport. The Russian-born tech entrepreneur is now under judicial supervision and must report to police twice weekly. Durov is prohibited from leaving France as he faces multiple serious charges.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed Durov's indictment and the conditions of his release. The charges against him include complicity in child pornography, trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. Additionally, Durov is accused of failing to respond to legal requests and register cryptography services.
Telegram's Legal Troubles Spark International Concern
The arrest of Telegram's CEO has caused ripples across governments in Paris, Moscow, and Abu Dhabi. Despite Durov's attempts to distance himself from Russia, Telegram has become a crucial communication tool for the Russian military. This connection has prompted Russian policymakers to call for Durov's release.
The United Arab Emirates, where Durov holds citizenship, has requested consular access to him. The UAE foreign ministry stated they are closely monitoring the situation and have asked French authorities to provide necessary consular services.
Durov's arrest has ignited a debate on the balance between online free speech and tech regulation. As Telegram faces scrutiny for its alleged non-compliance with legal requests, the case highlights the growing tension between government oversight and digital privacy.
