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Telegram CEO Restricted from Leaving France Amid Criminal Investigation. Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, is formally investigated in France over allegations tied to organized crime on the platform, according to Paris prosecutors. Durov, 39, isn't in custody but is under judicial supervision, required to pay a €5m deposit, and report to a French police station twice weekly. The Russian-born billionaire, who also holds French citizenship, is prohibited from leaving France as part of the investigation. Durov was first detained last Saturday at Le Bourget airport near Paris under a warrant related to offenses linked to the app. The investigation involves allegations of facilitating illicit transactions, refusal to cooperate with authorities, and complicity in distributing illegal content. Durov has remained silent regarding the latest developments. His lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, asserts that Telegram adheres to European digital regulations and is moderated to industry standards. Durov’s situation has sparked intense debate online about freedom of speech and the responsibilities of social media platforms. Elon Musk defended Durov, criticizing moderation as a form of censorship and calling for his release. Rumble’s founder, Chris Pavlovski, stated he left Europe following Durov’s detention, highlighting concerns over platform safety. Telegram faces accusations of ignoring requests from authorities to tackle serious criminal activities, unlike other major social platforms. French President Macron emphasized that France values freedom of expression, denying any political motivation behind Durov's detention. Telegram is widely used, especially in Russia and neighboring countries, and allows massive groups, unlike WhatsApp's smaller group limits. The Kremlin criticized the charges as possible "intimidation" and expressed readiness to assist Durov, acknowledging the complexity due to his dual citizenship. Telegram users, especially those in conflict zones, are now questioning the security of the platform amidst concerns that authorities may have access to its encryption.
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