Telegram founder Pavel Durov, the CEO of popular encrypted messaging app Telegram, has been released after being held for four days by authorities. The detention was related to an investigation into alleged illegal activities involving the messaging app, the media has reported. A judge has ended Durov's time in police custody, but he is still required to appear in court. The Paris prosecutor's office stated that this court appearance could potentially lead to formal charges being filed, says a report by Euronews.
The Telegram founder's detainment began on Saturday when he was taken into custody at Le Bourget airport near Paris. This action was part of a judicial inquiry that had been initiated the previous month, which involves allegations of multiple criminal offenses.
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"An investigating judge has ended Pavel Durov's police custody and will have him brought to court for a first appearance and a possible indictment," the Paris prosecutor's office was quoted as saying by the report.
Allegations Against Telegram Founder
Durov is facing serious allegations regarding Telegram's usage for illegal activities. These include claims that the platform is being used to distribute child sexual abuse material, facilitate drug trafficking and fraud, and aid organised crime transactions. Additionally, there are accusations that Telegram has not cooperated with investigators by sharing required information or documents.
The Paris prosecutor's office extended Durov's detention on Monday evening for up to an additional 48 hours. After this period, authorities must either release him or press charges, the Euronews report added. If charged, French law requires judges to consider his potential flight risk when deciding on pretrial detention. This risk could be significant due to Durov's multiple citizenships.
Durov's arrest in France has sparked reactions in Russia. Some Russian government officials have characterised the arrest as politically motivated and criticised what they perceive as Western hypocrisy regarding freedom of speech. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the situation, saying: "But the situation is complicated by the fact that he is also a citizen of France." Peskov expressed hope that Durov would have access to proper legal defense and stated that Moscow was prepared to offer assistance to Durov as a Russian citizen.