Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Banned from Leaving France

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been barred from leaving France as he faces an official investigation into alleged criminal activities connected to his messaging app. Durov, a Russian-born billionaire with French and UAE citizenship, was detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris on Saturday.

Release Under Strict Conditions

After four days of questioning, Durov was released on bail on Wednesday. He must pay a €5 million deposit, report to police twice a week, and remain in France while the investigation continues.

Investigation Details

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced that the judge has grounds to formally investigate Durov for multiple charges. These include suspected involvement in running a platform used for illegal transactions, such as child exploitation, drug trafficking, fraud, and money laundering. Additionally, Durov is accused of refusing to cooperate with authorities and providing cryptographic services to criminals.

Legal Status and Response

Being placed under formal investigation does not imply guilt but indicates there is sufficient evidence for the probe to proceed. Investigations can take years before reaching a conclusion. Telegram has stated that the allegations are unfounded and that the platform adheres to EU laws, with moderation practices meeting industry standards. They emphasized that they are working towards a swift resolution.

Political Reactions

The detention has sparked outrage from Russian officials, who claim the move is politically motivated and reflects a double standard regarding freedom of speech. This reaction is notable given Russia's own failed attempt to ban Telegram in 2018, which was later lifted in 2020.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here