Pavel Durov, co-founder of Telegram, has been released from custody in France under judicial supervision after being accused of serious crimes including complicity in child pornography and drug trafficking. The Paris prosecutor's office has mandated that Durov report to the police twice a week, post a bail of €5 million, and remain within French territory. His detention, which began on August 24, raised significant political tensions, particularly between Russia and France, with Russian officials questioning the legitimacy of the charges against him. Durov's lawyer described the accusations as absurd, while Russian diplomats await consular access to their detained compatriot. The case has sparked discussions about the potential influence of international politics, particularly from the United States, on Durov's arrest, as Russian officials claim it is part of a larger strategy to control Telegram ahead of the U.S. presidential elections.
- Durov's legal troubles began when he was detained at Paris Le Bourget airport after arriving from Azerbaijan. The allegations against him include a total of 12 serious crimes, of which he is being held accountable for six. The initial investigation into Telegram commenced in February 2024, indicating a long-standing scrutiny of the platform. The Russian government has been vocal about its concerns, with the press secretary of President Putin emphasizing the need for substantial evidence behind the accusations. The situation has led to speculation about the motivations behind Durov's arrest, with some Russian officials suggesting that external political pressures may be at play, particularly from the U.S. government, which is perceived to be wary of Telegram's influence.
