France releases list of criminal charges against Telegram CEO Pavel Durov

PARIS: The Prosecutor of the Republic, France released a press release detailing the criminal charges against Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov, who has been under France’s custody since August 24.

The statement details that Durov was arrested at Le Bourget airport in the outskirts of Paris on Saturday, (August 24) and then taken into police custody at 8 PM. This measure comes in the context of a judicial investigation opened the July 8, 2024, following a preliminary inquiry initiated by the Section J3-JUNALCO – division of the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office dedicated to combating cybercrime.

Telegram boss to stay in French custody as Russia alleges US meddling

The investigation, initially opened against an unnamed individual, has now placed Durov at the centre of a range of serious charges. These include his alleged complicity in managing an online platform used to facilitate illegal transactions by an organised group. He is also accused of refusing to provide crucial information or documents to authorities when required for legal interceptions.

Further accusations against Durov involve complicity in both possessing and distributing pornographic images of minors, activities reportedly conducted within an organised group. In addition, he is suspected of involvement in the acquisition, transportation, possession, and sale of narcotic substances. The investigation also includes charges related to Durov’s alleged role in providing tools and programs designed to access and damage automated data processing systems, as well as his participation in organised fraud.

Moreover, Durov faces charges of criminal association, with the intent to commit crimes or offences punishable by five or more years of imprisonment. There are also allegations of money laundering involving proceeds from offences committed by organised groups.

The complexity and severity of the charges have led the investigative magistrates overseeing the case to request the involvement of both the Centre for the Fight against Cybercrime (Centre de lutte contre les criminalités numériques, C3N) and the Anti-Fraud National Office (Office National Anti-Fraude, ONAF) to pursue the investigation further.

Telegram messaging app CEO Durov arrested in France

As part of this procedural framework, Durov was thoroughly questioned by investigators. The press release said that his custody was initially extended until August 25, by an investigative magistrate, with the potential to last up to 96 hours, given the procedure for organised crime offences. The extension means that Durov could remain in custody until August 28 as the investigation unfolds.

It is within this procedural framework in which Pavel DUROV was questioned by the investigators.

The custody period was extended until August 25, 2024 by an investigative magistrate and can last up to 96 hours (that being the August 28, 2024) given the applicable procedure for organized crime offences, as referred to above.