Telegram CEO Pavel Durov faced a Parisian judge over allegations of complicity in criminal activities on the platform, including child exploitation and drug distribution.
Criminal Investigation on Pavel Durov
On Friday, Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, was subjected to his initial in-depth interrogation by a Parisian magistrate in connection with allegations of criminal activities that were facilitated through the messaging platform.
After being released in August on a €5 million parole, Durov is currently under judicial supervision in France. He is accused of neglecting to address the distribution of illicit content, such as child exploitation materials and narcotics, on Telegram.
“I have faith in the French justice system,” Durov said during a midday break at the Paris Judicial Court, where he arrived with his lawyers, David-Olivier Kaminski and Christophe Ingrain.
His release conditions include a travel restriction and bi-weekly check-ins with authorities.
Sources familiar with the case indicate that Telegram has since enhanced its collaboration with law enforcement, thereby responding more promptly to judicial requests, despite the legal pressure.
Durov, who had previously criticized the case as “misguided,” has now recognized the obstacles presented by Telegram‘s expanding user base, which he estimates to be around 950 million monthly active users.
The investigation has also rekindled apprehensions regarding Telegram’s influence on the TON blockchain ecosystem and its native Toncoin cryptocurrency.
Telegram has strengthened moderation efforts and implemented privacy policy revisions as Durov’s legal battle continues.
The case has garnered international attention, with Moscow issuing a warning against potential political persecution, emphasizing the precarious equilibrium between regulatory scrutiny and technological innovation.
