The Paris prosecutor’s office has released many charges against Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, who was arrested on Aug. 24, ranging from complicity in fraud to enabling distribution of child pornography.
The press release said Durov was arrested at 8 p.m. on Saturday and then brought to the police station. The detention is related to a judicial investigation opened on July 8, 2024, by the cybercrime unit of the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The charges that are put against Durov are extensive and severe. They involve complicity in operating an online platform for illegal transactions, refusing to cooperate with the authorities on legal interceptions, and involvement in distributing child pornography.
Further accusations include narcotics, fraud, money laundering, and non-accredited cryptology services. Investigators claim Durov was a criminal accomplice related to crimes that have a minimum sentence of 5 years. The investigation also says Telegram made it possible for the organized crime groups to communicate via its messenger services.
French authorities have extended Durov’s custody period, which can last up to 96 hours under organized crime procedures. This gives investigators until Aug. 28 to question the Telegram CEO before potential indictment.
Telegram’s Encryption and Law Enforcement Tensions
The arrest marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between encrypted messaging platforms and law enforcement. Telegram has long resisted government pressure to weaken its privacy protections or provide backdoor access for authorities.
Durov, well-known for his pro-privacy position, has always been at odds with the regulators because Telegram is unwilling to control content or cooperate with the police investigation.
The platform’s solid encryption and huge user base have attracted activists and dissidents as well as the attention of the police and intelligence agencies, who are concerned about the possibility of its misuse by criminals and terrorists.
Nevertheless, the scenario may turn into a major turning point concerning online privacy, encryption, and tech platforms’ responsibilities. The decision may influence future laws and actions against messaging apps and their leadership.
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