Telegram CEO indicted

Washington [US], August 29: A French court on August 28 decided to prosecute Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, setting conditions for his release on bail.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said a judge had found sufficient grounds to formally open an investigation into the CEO of messaging app Telegram Durov over allegations that led to his arrest on August 24, Reuters reported.
Charges include complicity in managing an online platform that enabled illegal transactions, refusing to provide information requested by officials, distributing child pornography, drug trafficking, fraud and money laundering.
Mr. Pavel Durov was released on bail on the condition that he pay 5 million euros, report to the police twice a week and not leave France.
The fact that French authorities have opened an official investigation does not mean that Mr. Durov is guilty or that a trial will be held . The investigation could take several years and the court will decide whether to proceed with the case or shelve it, based on the information it receives.
Cybercrime and fraud investigators announced earlier this week that Mr. Durov's arrest was part of a broader investigation into uncensored criminal activity on the Telegram app.
In a statement on August 25, Telegram said it complies with European Union law and that its moderation is "within industry standards and is constantly improving."
Mr Durov's arrest sparked debate over freedom of speech and led to concerns in both Ukraine and Russia, where the Telegram app is hugely popular and has become a key communication tool between the military and civilians amid fighting.
The arrest of Mr. Durov, who holds dual French and Russian citizenship, has affected diplomatic relations between Paris and Moscow. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on August 27 that relations between the two countries were at their lowest point.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on August 27 that Moscow was ready to provide Durov with all necessary assistance because he was a Russian citizen, but that his French citizenship also complicated the situation.
Mr Durov was granted French citizenship in 2021 in a rare procedure reserved for high-ranking individuals. French President Emmanuel Macron has insisted Mr Durov's arrest was not politically motivated.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper