Telegram CEO indicted
Aug 29, 2024
Washington [US], August 29: A French court on August 28 decided to prosecute Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, setting conditions for his release on bail.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said a judge had found sufficient grounds to formally open an investigation into the
Charges include complicity in managing an online platform that enabled illegal transactions, refusing to provide information requested by officials, distributing child pornography, drug trafficking, fraud and
Mr. Pavel Durov
The fact that French authorities have opened an official investigation does not mean that Mr. Durov is guilty or that a trial will be held
Cybercrime and fraud investigators announced earlier this week that Mr. Durov's arrest was part of a broader investigation into uncensored criminal activity on the Telegram app.
In a statement on August 25, Telegram said it complies with European Union
Mr Durov's arrest sparked debate over freedom of speech and led to concerns in both Ukraine and Russia, where the Telegram app is hugely popular and has become a key communication tool between the military and civilians amid fighting.
The arrest of Mr. Durov, who holds dual French and Russian citizenship, has affected diplomatic relations
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on August 27 that Moscow was ready to provide Durov with all necessary assistance because he was a Russian citizen, but that his French citizenship also complicated the situation.
Mr Durov was granted French citizenship in 2021 in a rare procedure reserved for high-ranking individuals. French President Emmanuel Macron
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper