Telegram founder again investigated in France, insists platform has no criminal facilitation
On July 30, according to AFP, Telegram founder Pavel Durov was once again questioned by French judges in Paris on Monday, primarily focusing on allegations that his platform Telegram is suspected of facilitating criminal activities.
Since being detained in Paris in 2024, the 40-year-old Russian entrepreneur Durov has faced multiple serious charges. Authorities accuse him of involvement in organized crime, illegal trading, and the dissemination of illegal content, citing the controversial content spread on the Telegram platform. These accusations loom over him and his company like an invisible net.
In the face of these allegations, Durov has consistently maintained a firm stance, fully denying them. His legal team elaborated on their position in a statement on Monday, stating that Durov has taken the opportunity to engage with investigators to detail how absurd and baseless he believes the facts supporting the allegations are, attempting to fundamentally overturn the unreasonableness of these charges.
Aside from the legal battles, a somewhat contradictory sign has emerged. According to insiders from the French judiciary who spoke to AFP, since Durov's arrest and involvement in this case, their cooperation with the Telegram platform in information sharing and law enforcement assistance has shown some signs of improvement, and communication seems to have become smoother.
However, despite progress on the cooperation front, Durov's legal team has clearly not relaxed their objections to the case itself. They have formally initiated legal proceedings in France and are attempting to fundamentally examine the constitutionality of the investigation procedures and relevant laws involved in the case.
Moreover, they have also turned their attention to a higher judicial level, submitting a request to the European Court of Justice for a preliminary ruling on the legal issues involved in this case, seeking guidance.
Through this series of legal actions, Durov has demonstrated his firm will and determination to resolutely defend his rights and fight to the end within the legal framework.