Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has been released from police custody in France and transferred to court for further questioning , days after his arrest at a Paris airport, according to CNN. As per the Paris prosecutor’s office, the Russian-born billionaire will now face “initial questioning and possible indictment” at a court in the French capital.
Notably, being placed under formal investigation in France does not imply guilt or necessarily lead to trial.However, it does indicate that judges consider there is enough to the case to proceed with the probe.
Durov was placed in custody for up to 96 hours – or four days – which is the maximum amount of time someone can be held under French law before being charged, news agency Reuters reported.
Durov was arrested in France on August 24 on allegations that his platform, Telegram, is being used for illicit activities, including drug trafficking and the distribution of child sexual abuse images.
Notably, being placed under formal investigation in France does not imply guilt or necessarily lead to trial.However, it does indicate that judges consider there is enough to the case to proceed with the probe.
Durov was placed in custody for up to 96 hours – or four days – which is the maximum amount of time someone can be held under French law before being charged, news agency Reuters reported.
Durov was arrested in France on August 24 on allegations that his platform, Telegram, is being used for illicit activities, including drug trafficking and the distribution of child sexual abuse images.
Telegram CEO Pavel Durov facing 12 criminal charges
Durov faces a long list of serious charges, including complicity in the administration of an online platform for illegal transactions, refusing to cooperate with authorities, and involvement in child pornography.
Additionally, French authorities accused him of complicity in drug offences, providing tools for cyberattacks, organised gang scams, criminal association, and money laundering.
Earlier this week, Telegram said that it abided by European Union (EU) laws and its moderation was “within industry standards and constantly improving”.
“Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe. It is absurd to claim that a platform, or its owner, are responsible for abuse of that platform,” the company said.