Telegram founder Pavel Durov is under investigation in France, facing charges related to facilitating illegal gang transactions.
Durov remains in France under judicial supervision, with a $5.56M bail, reporting to the police twice weekly.
The investigation into Durov highlights concerns over Telegram's role in moderating criminal activities, including trafficking and hate speech.
Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, is under formal investigation by French authorities and is prohibited from leaving the country. The investigation, which was announced on Wednesday night, revolves around his alleged involvement in several criminal activities related to the use of the Telegram platform.
These accusations include complicity in facilitating illegal transactions by organized gangs. As a result of the ongoing probe, Durov must remain under judicial supervision in France. He has been required to post bail of $5.56 million (5 million euros) and must report to the local police station twice a week.
https://twitter.com/WuBlockchain/status/1828944373041795159 Details of the Investigation
The French prosecutor's office outlined the specifics of the charges against Durov. The investigation includes allegations of “complicity in the administration of a platform enabling an illegal transaction in an organized gang,” an offense that carries a potential 10-year prison sentence.
The probe also covers other suspected offenses, such as “laundering of crimes in an organized gang” and refusing to provide information to authorities. Notably, these accusations are centered around Telegram's lack of moderation, particularly concerning criminal activities like trafficking, online hate speech, and the dissemination of child pornography.
Durov’s Arrest and Legal Proceedings
Durov was detained at Paris’s Bourget Airport on Saturday under a warrant linked to Telegram’s content moderation practices. Following his arrest, he was held in custody for 96 hours, the maximum period allowed under French law before formal charges must be made.
He was subsequently released and transferred to court for further questioning. Although the formal investigation has commenced, it is important to note that this does not imply guilt in the French legal system. Rather, it indicates that the prosecutors have found sufficient grounds to pursue an official inquiry into Durov's involvement in these alleged activities.
Reactions and Ongoing Developments
The investigation has drawn attention especially given Telegram's widespread use in countries like Ukraine and Russia. The platform's role as a key communication tool during ongoing conflicts has added complexity to the situation. In response to concerns over freedom of speech, French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the matter, emphasizing that the decision to investigate Durov was not politically motivated.
The French National Office for Minors has also highlighted Telegram’s inadequate response to court requests concerning various crimes on the platform. As the investigation progresses, Durov remains under close scrutiny, with the outcome likely to have broader implications for both him and the Telegram platform.
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