Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, has been placed under formal investigation by French authorities amid a probe into alleged organized crime activities on the messaging app. Paris prosecutors have announced that Durov, a 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire who also holds French citizenship, is under judicial supervision and must pay a €5 million deposit. Additionally, Durov is required to report to a French police station twice a week and is prohibited from leaving French territory.
Durov was detained last Saturday at Le Bourget airport near Paris under a warrant related to offences connected with the use of Telegram. According to the Paris prosecutors’ statement, the investigation includes allegations of:
Complicity in managing an online platform to facilitate illicit transactions by organized gangs
Failure to cooperate with authorities
Complicity in the distribution of child sexual abuse images by organized criminals
In France, being placed under formal investigation does not imply guilt but indicates that there is sufficient reason to pursue a detailed investigation. As of now, Durov has not publicly addressed these developments.
David-Olivier Kaminski, Durov's lawyer, contends that Telegram complies fully with European digital regulations and operates with moderation standards comparable to other major social networks. Kaminski described the allegations as "absurd," asserting that Durov is not involved in the criminal activities being investigated.
This case marks a rare instance of a social media platform owner being detained due to alleged misuse of their platform. It has sparked intense debate about the balance between freedom of speech and platform accountability. While tech executives have previously faced intense scrutiny from lawmakers, such direct legal action, including airport detentions, is unprecedented.
Supporters of Durov, including Elon Musk, have criticized the situation, with Musk labeling moderation as a “propaganda word” for censorship and calling for Durov’s release. Chris Pavlovski, founder of the video-sharing app Rumble, has reportedly fled Europe in response to Durov’s detention.
Despite Telegram's adherence to industry-standard moderation tools, the company faces criticism for allegedly neglecting international efforts to combat online child abuse material. The firm, now based in Dubai, has resisted joining global child protection programs.
French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized that the detention of Durov is not politically motivated and reflects France's commitment to upholding freedom of expression. However, Russia has expressed concern, suggesting that the charges could be politically motivated and pledging support for Durov due to his Russian citizenship. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted the complexity added by Durov’s dual French citizenship.
Telegram, founded in 2013, is a major global social media platform with over 950 million registered users. It is particularly popular in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet states, as well as in Iran. Durov, who also founded the Russian social media site VKontakte, left Russia in 2014 following government demands to shut down opposition communities. He also holds passports from St Kitts and Nevis and the United Arab Emirates.
The situation continues to evolve as investigations proceed and international reactions unfold.