Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Hit with 12 Criminal Charges in France

French authorities arrested Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of Telegram, on charges including fraud, drug trafficking, and cyberbullying.

Durov, 39, who has a net worth of about $15 billion, was detained at Le Bourget Airport near Paris after arriving on a private jet from Azerbaijan. The authorities extended his detention on Monday as they investigate criminal activities linked to Telegram.

Accusations Include Fraud and Cyberbullying

The charges against Durov originate from a case French prosecutors opened in July. The accusations also include child pornography distribution, money laundering, and refusing to cooperate with law enforcement. Telegram, known for its strong encryption, has faced criticism for being used by criminals. Prosecutors argue that Durov didn’t do enough to stop illegal activities on the platform.

Macron Addresses Concerns About Political Influence

French President Emmanuel Macron responded to concerns about Durov’s arrest, stressing that the decision was based on judicial processes, not politics. Macron, on social media platform X, clarified that the investigation is ongoing and handled by the courts without any political interference.

Durov, who co-founded Telegram with his brother, currently lives in Dubai. His arrest marks a significant effort by French authorities to combat the misuse of encrypted messaging platforms. As the investigation continues, the tech world is closely watching to see how this case could affect Telegram’s operations worldwide.

(Sources: Agence France-Presse, New York Times)