The French prosecutor’s office has officially published a list of charges against Pavel Durov, the founder and head of the Telegram messenger. As reported by Durov Code, among the charges brought are complicity in operating an online platform for the purpose of carrying out illegal transactions by an organized group.
Image source: Durov/VK
The list of charges published by the prosecutor’s office also includes such items as refusing to provide information necessary for lawful interception at the request of authorized authorities, and aiding in the transfer of equipment and tools designed to attack automated systems. In addition, Durov is accused of “organized distribution of child pornography, drug trafficking, fraud and criminal conspiracy,” which generally forms a serious legal basis for his prosecution.
The Paris prosecutor’s office clarified that complicity in the administration of an online platform for carrying out illegal transactions could entail a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 euros, which could have potential consequences for both Durov and the functioning of Telegram in Europe .
Despite the seriousness of the charges, on August 28, the Paris court decided to release Pavel Durov, setting a number of conditions. He must pay bail in the amount of 5 million euros, report to the police station twice a week and comply with the ban on leaving the country. These measures are aimed at ensuring his presence in court and preventing possible evasion of justice.