Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Released on €5M Bail,Not Allowed to Leave France

Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, has been released on €5 million bail by a French court, with conditions including mandatory bi-weekly police check-ins and a travel ban restricting him to France. The Russian-born tech billionaire was detained at a French airport on Saturday and faces a series of serious charges.

Telegram's Durov Faces Serious Charges, Including Complicity in Organised Crime and Child Exploitation

Durov, 39, was charged with 12 counts of alleged complicity, including serious accusations such as complicity in child pornography, trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. According to Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the charges also include failing to respond to legal requests and not registering cryptographic services.

“Telegram’s almost total failure to respond to judicial requests was brought to the attention of the cybercrime section of JUNALCO,” the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office stated. This led to an investigation into the possible criminal responsibility of Telegram’s management.

Following his arrest, Durov was held in custody for up to 96 hours, the maximum allowed under French law. He has now been placed under judicial supervision and must sign with the police twice a week. Additionally, he is prohibited from leaving France until further notice.

Durov's Arrest Sparks International Backlash from Russia and UAE

Durov’s arrest has provoked strong reactions internationally. The French government’s decision has been met with significant backlash from several quarters:

• Russia: Although Durov maintains a distance from Moscow, Telegram is a crucial communication tool for the Russian military. Russian officials and military bloggers have expressed concern over the arrest, with some referring to Durov as the "head of communication of the Russian army" and calling for his release.
• United Arab Emirates: As Durov holds Emirati citizenship, the UAE government has requested consular access for him. The UAE’s foreign ministry emphasised the need for urgent consular services, stating that they are closely monitoring the situation and have requested that the French authorities facilitate necessary support for their citizen.

Durov's Arrest Ignites Debate on Free Speech and Global Tech Regulation

Durov’s arrest has sparked a broader debate on online free speech and the regulation of tech companies. His detainment highlights the challenges and tensions surrounding the enforcement of legal standards in the digital age, particularly concerning platforms that operate globally but are subject to various national regulations.

The case raises critical questions about the balance between tech company responsibilities and user privacy, and it underscores the complexities of managing international operations amidst diverse legal landscapes.