Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram, faces serious legal trouble in France. After being held in police custody for four days, Durov is now under formal investigation. The charges against him are extensive, ranging from involvement in child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to drug trafficking and money laundering.
Formal Charges and Detention
After spending four days in police custody, Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram, has been formally charged in France. The charges include accusations of running a company complicit in storing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), facilitating drug trafficking, and enabling organized fraud.
Conditions of Release and Bail
Durov was released from custody on the condition that he does not leave French territory during the investigation. He is required to pay a bail amount of €5 million (around $5.6 million) and check in at a police station twice a week.
List of Charges
The Paris criminal court released a list of charges that led to Durov’s arrest. These main charges involve running a company involved in CSAM, facilitating drug trafficking, and enabling other illegal transactions. Durov also faces charges related to Telegram’s cryptographic features.
The Importance of Formal Investigation
In the French judicial system, being placed under formal investigation means Durov is formally suspected of these charges. This procedure is necessary to take a case to trial, though a trial isn’t guaranteed. If authorities deem the case weak, the investigation may be shelved.
Prosecutor’s Statement
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed the charges against Durov, stating the investigation is progressing. Beccuau highlighted Telegram’s involvement in multiple cases, including child pornography, trafficking, and online hate speech.
Telegram’s Lack of Cooperation
One significant point against Telegram is its almost total failure to respond to judicial requests. The cybercrime section of the organized crime national court (JUNALCO) within the Paris public prosecutor’s office noted this issue. Other French and European departments shared similar concerns.
Impact of the CSAM Investigation
Though the case against Telegram started with a CSAM investigation, it grew during the preliminary probe. French authorities examined the messaging app’s broader activities. Telegram, boasting 950 million monthly active users, has limited moderation tools, raising concern over its use for illegal purposes.
Denial of Responsibility
David-Olivier Kaminski, Durov’s lawyer, argued that it is absurd to hold the head of a social platform responsible for criminal activities he didn’t directly or indirectly commit. However, this defense doesn’t address why Telegram ignored law enforcement’s request.
Money Laundering Charges
Durov is also charged with money laundering. This could be related to Telegram’s cryptocurrency features, such as its digital currency Stars, used to buy and sell digital content, and its connection to Toncoin, a tradeable cryptocurrency.
Extended Investigation Timeline
Given the complexity and wide-ranging nature of this case, the investigation is expected to last several months, possibly more than a year. During this period, Durov must remain in France.
The case against Pavel Durov and Telegram is complex and ongoing. With charges spanning from CSAM to money laundering, the investigation is expected to last months, if not longer. Durov’s indictment stresses the significant issues related to online platforms and law enforcement.
Source: Techcrunch