Kyle WiggersPavel Durov, the founder and CEO of messaging app Telegram, was arrested on August 24. French authorities did not respond to requests for comment. The French judicial system upholds the principle of maintaining secrecy during pre-trial investigations and inquiries.
The main concerns reported by French television network TF1 are related to Telegram’s lack of moderation and unwillingness to cooperate with law enforcement, particularly regarding drug trafficking, money laundering, and child sexual abuse material.
Several high-profile figures, including Elon Musk and Edward Snowden, showed support for Durov after his arrest, leading to increased public attention and speculation about the case.
In response to the public interest, the Paris criminal court issued a press release listing the charges against Durov. The charges include allegations of involvement in storing and distributing illegal content, facilitating drug trafficking and organized fraud, and failing to cooperate with law enforcement requests. Additionally, Durov faces charges related to Telegram’s cryptographic features and money laundering.
The charges against Durov are broad and technical, and the full basis for these charges is not readily available. The charges related to illegal content, drug trafficking, and fraud are likely linked to Telegram’s moderation processes, as the platform has few moderation tools and processes in place.
Telegram recently introduced a digital currency called Stars, which can be used for various transactions within the app. Additionally, Telegram has a built-in crypto wallet, and its cryptocurrency can be traded on different exchanges and transferred to a bank account. Investigators suspect that Telegram may have failed to comply with “know your customer” requirements related to its crypto-related features, potentially facilitating money laundering.
Lastly, it is clear that Durov’s arrest is not connected to the European Union’s Digital Services Act or other tech-specific regulations. French President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized that the arrest is not a political decision, and the judiciary system remains independent from the executive power in France.
Currently, French authorities can detain and interview Durov for up to 96 hours, after which the court will decide on the next steps.
Kyle Wiggers
