Telegram founder formally investigated, banned from leaving France

French authorities are currently formally investigating Telegram founder Pavel Durov, who is banned from leaving France, according to a statement from the French Public Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday evening.

Durov now faces preliminary charges for various criminal activities related to his platform, including complicity in illegal transactions by organized gangs, laundering the proceeds of crime, and failing to provide crucial information to authorities. As part of the legal proceedings, Durov must remain in France under strict conditions, including a $5.56 million bail and mandatory biweekly check-ins at a local police station.

Earlier on Wednesday, Durov was released from police custody and was being questioned in court. The launch of a formal investigation is a sign of a serious investigation by prosecutors, but does not imply guilt under French law. No formal charges have yet been filed against Durov.

Source: X

Concerns about freedom of expression

Durov’s arrest has fueled a debate over freedom of speech and raised alarm in both Ukraine and Russia, where Telegram is widely used by both civilians and military personnel. Russian officials have openly criticized the French government’s actions, suggesting a disregard for international norms regarding freedom of speech.

The global reaction was swift and vocal, with several figures weighing in on the implications of Durov’s detention. Russian authorities have expressed dismay at France’s actions, with the Russian embassy in Paris demanding access to Durov and accusing French authorities of “avoiding involvement” in the matter.

Meanwhile, American politicians and commentators have also shared their perspectives. Tucker Carlson, a right-wing commentator, argued on social media platform X that Durov’s arrest is an affront to freedom of speech, stating: “Pavel Durov left Russia when the government tried to control his social media company, Telegram. But in the end, it wasn’t Putin who arrested him for allowing the public to exercise their free speech. It was a Western country, an ally of the Biden administration and an enthusiastic NATO member, that locked him up. Pavel Durov sits in a French prison tonight, a living warning to every platform owner who refuses to censor the truth at the behest of governments and intelligence agencies. Darkness is rapidly descending on the formerly free world.”

Elon Musk just Tweeted “#FreePavel” and linked to Carlson’s previous interview with the Telegram founder.

Prominent tech figures such as Edward Snowden, Balaji Srinivasan and Lex Fridman also tweeted their support for Telegram and Pavel.

French President Emmanuel Macron insisted Monday that the legal action against Durov was not politically motivated. The rare comment from a French leader in an ongoing legal matter underscores the sensitivity of the case.