In a stunning turn of events, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has been released from custody in France after posting a €5 million bail. The billionaire entrepreneur, often referred to as “Russia’s Mark Zuckerberg,” was arrested on Saturday at Le Bourget airport near Paris as part of an investigation into alleged criminal activities on his messaging platform.
Durov, who holds both Russian and French citizenship, faces preliminary charges including “complicity in the offences of making available without legitimate reason a program or data designed for… organized gang distribution of images of minors presenting child pornography, drug trafficking,” and “refusal to communicate, at the request of competent authorities, information or documents necessary for carrying out and operating interceptions allowed by law.”
As part of his release conditions, Durov is forbidden from leaving French territory and must report to a police station twice a week. The Paris Judicial Court has officially charged him with six offenses, including money laundering and facilitating illegal transactions on Telegram’s platform.
Durov’s arrest has sparked a fierce debate over the balance between free speech and online safety. While some critics argue that his detention infringes on fundamental rights, French authorities maintain that Telegram has failed to adequately moderate discussions related to child pornography, drug trafficking, fraud, and terrorism.
The 39-year-old entrepreneur, known for his staunch defense of privacy and resistance to content moderation, has faced growing pressure from governments worldwide. Russia attempted to ban Telegram in 2018 but later lifted the restrictions, while Iran’s supreme leader praised France’s strict approach to internet governance in the wake of Durov’s arrest.
As the investigation continues, the future of Telegram and its founder remains uncertain. With a user base of approximately 1 billion, the platform’s minimal moderation policies have made it a haven for various illicit activities, raising concerns about its role in facilitating organized crime.