Telegram founder Pavel Durov remains at the centre of a prolonged legal battle in France, a year after his dramatic arrest in Paris over allegations that the popular messaging app facilitated criminal activity.
French prosecutors placed the Russian-born entrepreneur under formal investigation in 2024, accusing him of complicity in crimes committed through the platform, including illicit transactions and the sharing of child abuse material.
The case drew global attention, as Durov—who holds both French and Russian passports—was detained for four days before being released under judicial supervision.
The probe has since struggled to produce concrete evidence linking Durov or Telegram directly to criminal wrongdoing.
He has consistently rejected the allegations, insisting that his company’s moderation policies are in line with global industry standards. Telegram, he maintains, has complied with every legally binding request submitted by French authorities.
During questioning in late 2024, Durov acknowledged the platform’s growing misuse by criminal groups but promised to enhance oversight mechanisms to curb illegal content.
Despite this, the case has continued with little progress, and critics argue that his arrest has damaged France’s international reputation as a defender of digital freedoms.
Restrictions on Durov’s movements were partially eased in mid-2025, allowing him to reside in the United Arab Emirates—Telegram’s operational base—for short periods. However, he is still required to return to France every two weeks, with no clear timeline for a resolution.
The drawn-out investigation highlights the broader challenge facing governments worldwide: holding tech platforms accountable for misuse without undermining digital rights and innovation.
AFP
