judicial inquiry Archives

AppWizard

August 28, 2024

Telegram messaging app CEO freed from police custody, will appear in court

French prosecutors have released Telegram's CEO, Pavel Durov, from police custody after four days of questioning related to a judicial inquiry into twelve criminal violations associated with the messaging platform. Durov faces serious allegations, including the use of Telegram for child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, fraud, and facilitating organized crime, as well as failing to comply with legal requests for information from investigators. He will be summoned to court for an initial appearance that may lead to an indictment. The arrest has prompted backlash in Russia, with officials claiming it is politically motivated. Durov, a Russian-born French citizen, also has citizenship in the UAE and St. Kitts and Nevis. The UAE Foreign Ministry is monitoring the situation and has requested France provide Durov with consular services. Telegram maintains it complies with EU laws and evolves its moderation practices. Durov co-founded Telegram after leaving Russia due to government pressure to suppress opposition. The platform is under scrutiny from Western governments for its content moderation practices, with critics arguing it facilitates illegal activities. In 2022, German authorities fined Telegram for failing to establish lawful reporting mechanisms for illegal content.

AppWizard

August 28, 2024

Telegram messaging app chief freed from custody ahead of court appearance

Pavel Durov, co-founder of Telegram, was detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris as part of a judicial inquiry involving twelve alleged criminal violations, including the distribution of child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, fraud, and organized crime facilitation. An investigating judge has concluded his police custody and will present him in court for an initial appearance. Durov, a French citizen originally from Russia, faces backlash in Russia, with officials claiming the arrest is politically motivated. French President Emmanuel Macron stated the arrest is part of an independent investigation. Telegram released a statement asserting its compliance with EU laws and improving moderation practices. Durov holds citizenship in the UAE and St Kitts and Nevis, and the UAE Foreign Ministry is monitoring the case. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope for Durov's legal defense opportunities. Telegram, founded by Durov and his brother, has nearly a billion users and has faced criticism for its moderation policies.