French authorities have launched a formal investigation into Telegram founder Pawel Durow for alleged complicity in crimes. French investigating judges saw sufficient evidence of this on Wednesday, the Public Prosecutor’s Office announced in the evening. Durov was released on a five million euro bail, but must remain under judicial supervision and is not allowed to leave France.
There was initially no statement from Durow. He was arrested Saturday evening shortly after landing at Le Bourget airport near Paris. Authorities accuse Telegram of a lack of cooperation in the fight against internet and financial crime. Telegram rejected the accusations in a statement after Durow’s arrest.
Lack of intervention in chats
According to the Public Prosecution Service, preliminary investigations against Durow have been ongoing for some time. It is suspected that due to a lack of intervention at Telegram and insufficient cooperation with the authorities, he has become an accomplice to drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud and various crimes related to child abuse. He is also accused of a lack of cooperation with the authorities when it comes to legally permitted wiretapping measures. The French-Russian man was therefore wanted by the authorities.
The investigation against Durow could eventually lead to a criminal trial if the investigators see sufficient evidence against the suspect. Otherwise, you can stop the procedure again. For the accusation of complicity in illegal transactions via the chat service alone, Durow risked a prison sentence of up to ten years and a fine of 500,000 euros, according to the Public Prosecution Service.
“We have nothing to hide”
Telegram defended itself against the allegations. The company said it would comply with all applicable rules. Durov “has nothing to hide.” In addition, it is “absurd” to hold a platform or its owner liable for abuse of the service by third parties.
Telegram has long been accused of not being consistent enough in its response to hate speech and other illegal activities, although the company itself insists that it is operating within “industry standards.”
Source: Krone
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