Charges against Durov ‘absurd’ – lawyer

According to David-Olivier Kaminski, the CEO of Telegram cannot be involved in crimes that have nothing to do with him.

The charges against Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, who is accused of being complicit in a series of crimes allegedly orchestrated through his platform, are completely ridiculous, his lawyer told AFP.

Durov, who was arrested upon arrival at a Paris airport last week, was formally questioned on Wednesday and released on €5 million ($5.5 million) bail on condition he does not leave France.

His indictment contained a dozen charges, including refusal to cooperate with authorities, complicity in crimes related to child abuse material and drug trafficking, as well as complicity in “operating an online platform” used by organized gangs to conduct illegal transactions. The latter crime carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of €500,000.

Responding to the indictment, Durov’s lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, said: “It is completely absurd to think that the head of a social network could be involved in criminal acts that do not concern him, directly or indirectly.”

He told AFP that Telegram “fully complies with European rules on digital technology.” His comments came after the Financial Times reported that the European Commission was investigating the platform for possible breaches of digital regulations, particularly over its alleged failure to provide authorities with accurate user data.

Durov’s arrest sparked outrage worldwide, with many opinion makers seeing it as a restriction of freedom of expression and suggesting that the US was ultimately behind the arrest.

The 39-year-old Russian tech magnate is also a citizen of France, the UAE and St. Kitts and Nevis. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said Moscow is ready to help Durov, but added that the billionaire was capable of mounting his own legal defense.

He also warned against politicizing Durov’s investigation. French President Emmanuel Macron had previously denied that this was the case, insisting that Paris remains committed to the principles of freedom of expression.