Macron Uninformed of Telegram Owner's France Visit Amid Legal Shakeup

During a two-day visit to Serbia, French President Emmanuel Macron disclosed that he was unaware of Telegram owner Pavel Durov's arrival in France. Durov is now under formal investigation for alleged complicity in illicit online activities, including transactions involving child sex abuse images, drug trafficking, and fraud.

During a press conference on his two-day visit to Serbia, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that he was unaware of Telegram owner Pavel Durov's recent arrival in France. Macron stated that no meetings were scheduled with Durov.

This revelation came following the arrest of Durov on Saturday. A French judge subsequently placed Durov under formal investigation on Wednesday, citing his suspected complicity in running an online platform facilitating illicit transactions.

Charges against Durov include involvement in activities related to child sex abuse images, drug trafficking, and fraud, raising significant legal concerns around the encrypted messaging service.

(With inputs from agencies.)