Pavel Durov, the billionaire CEO and founder of Telegram, finds himself at the centre of a legal storm, facing 12 severe charges in France. His recent arrest at Bourget Airport on August 24, 2024, has sent shockwaves across the tech community and among Telegram’s vast user base. The charges, detailed by the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, paint a troubling picture of the allegations against the tech mogul, including distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), facilitating money laundering, and complicity in drug trafficking.
Telegram, known for its strong encryption and privacy features, has long been criticized for its lax moderation, which has allowed various illegal activities to flourish on its platform. The French authorities, led by the Centre for the Fight against Cybercrime (C3N) and the Anti-Fraud National Office (ONAF), have been investigating Durov since July 2024, culminating in his arrest. The charges, categorized into four main areas, also include failing to cooperate with law enforcement and not adhering to France’s cryptographic regulations.
One of the most serious accusations against Durov involves the platform’s role in the distribution of CSAM and its alleged facilitation of organized fraud and drug trafficking. With over 950 million active users and limited moderation resources, Telegram has struggled to keep illegal content off its servers, making it a target for law enforcement agencies worldwide.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Durov’s introduction of a digital currency, Stars, which can be converted into the cryptocurrency Toncoin, has raised suspicions of money laundering. Investigators believe that Telegram may not have complied with “know your customer” (KYC) requirements, potentially allowing illegal financial activities to occur under the radar.
The arrest and subsequent charges have not only drawn attention from global media but have also sparked reactions from influential figures in the tech world. Elon Musk has expressed his support for Durov, while whistleblower Edward Snowden has suggested that the arrest may be politically motivated, given Telegram’s popularity in conflict regions like Russia and Ukraine.
As the case unfolds, the future of Telegram and its CEO remains uncertain. French authorities can detain Durov for up to 96 hours while they decide whether to formally indict him on some or all of the charges. This case underscores the growing scrutiny on encrypted messaging platforms and their responsibilities in preventing the spread of illegal content.