Telegram Boss Pavel Durov Faces Legal Turmoil in France Amid Criminal Probe

Pavel Durov, Telegram's founder, is under formal investigation in France for alleged complicity in illicit activities, money laundering, and refusal to cooperate with judicial authorities. Durov's arrest has sparked a debate on the responsibility of tech companies for social media content. He has been granted bail under strict conditions.

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, is embroiled in a legal maelstrom in France, facing allegations related to illicit transactions, images of child sex abuse, and drug trafficking on his platform. He is also accused of money laundering and non-cooperation with judicial authorities.

Arrested at a Paris airport, Durov was held in police custody for four days before being granted bail, on the condition he pays 5 million euros and remains within French borders. He is required to report to the local police twice weekly and adhere to specified home hours.

Durov's arrest has ignited a heated debate on the boundaries of freedom of speech and tech companies' responsibility for social media content. A Kremlin statement emphasized that the situation should not lead to 'political persecution,' as French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed the judicial nature of the probe.

(With inputs from agencies.)