Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, is publicly contesting the French investigation opened against him since his arrest at Le Bourget airport on August 24, 2024. He has been charged with suspicions of complicity in administering a platform facilitating illicit transactions, the distribution of child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, fraud, and money laundering, as well as refusal to cooperate with authorities. Released on bail of 5 million euros, he claims the proceedings are part of a broader pattern of political pressure aimed at obtaining censorship and illegal surveillance measures from Telegram. French authorities, including the DGSE intelligence services and the Élysée, reject these accusations and reaffirm the judicial and independent nature of the investigation. The investigation continues and will determine whether the case leads to a trial or a dismissal.
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