Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has been released from police custody in France and is now facing questioning in court, potentially leading to an indictment.
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Durov was arrested at a Paris airport earlier in the week and faces investigation for several serious charges, including claims that his platform facilitated fraud, drug trafficking, and child exploitation.
The 39-year-old Russian-born billionaire was detained under a warrant related to allegations against Telegram’s moderation practices. He faces scrutiny over Telegram’s use by terrorist groups and far-right extremists due to its minimal content moderation.
Durov’s arrest has sparked a debate over freedom of speech, particularly in Ukraine and Russia, where Telegram is a crucial communication tool amid the ongoing conflict with Moscow.
French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that the charges against Durov are “in no way political.”
Telegram, founded in 2013 by Durov and his brother Nikolai, boasts over 950 million users, making it one of the most popular messaging apps globally. The app’s encrypted conversations limit oversight by both law enforcement and Telegram itself.
