Telegram Boss Pavel Durov Faces Formal Investigation Amid Crime Probe

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur, faces potential formal investigation by French judges following his arrest concerning organized crime on the messaging app. Held since Saturday, Durov may enter pretrial detention if formal charges proceed. This case highlights tensions between tech companies and government oversight.

French investigative judges are set to determine on Wednesday whether to place Telegram's Russian-born CEO, Pavel Durov, under formal investigation following his recent arrest related to organized crime on the messaging platform.

Durov was detained upon arriving at a Parisian airport via private jet on Saturday, stirring a debate on app providers' criminal liability versus freedom of speech enforcement. The judges must decide by 8:00 p.m. (1800 GMT) Wednesday, 96 hours after his detention, whether to proceed with a formal investigation. This arrest also highlights the tense dynamic between Telegram, a platform nearing 1 billion users, and global governments.

In 2018, President Emmanuel Macron met with Durov amidst a series of discussions with tech entrepreneurs. Being placed under formal investigation in France does not imply guilt but indicates sufficient grounds for a detailed probe. These investigations can extend for years before either leading to trial or being dismissed.

Should the judges decide on a formal investigation, Durov could be placed in pretrial detention, especially if there is a flight risk. An update from the Paris prosecutor's office is anticipated by late Wednesday.

The broader probe involves various allegations, including hosting a platform for illicit transactions, child sexual abuse imagery, drug trafficking, fraud, withholding information from authorities, and providing encryption services to criminals. The specific charges against Durov remain unspecified.

Durov's French lawyer has not responded to requests for comment. In response to accusations of stifling free speech, President Macron affirmed France's commitment to judicial independence and free speech. Reports of Durov's phone being hacked by French and UAE authorities in 2017 have not been addressed by the foreign ministry.

(With inputs from agencies.)