Overview

• Pavel Durov, founder of the messaging app Telegram, was detained in France in August 2024 and is under investigation for alleged complicity in organized crime activities on the platform.
• Durov, who holds Russian, French, and UAE citizenships, had been prohibited from leaving France but received judicial approval to travel for a limited period.
• The allegations against Durov include failing to curb extremist content and enabling activities such as drug trafficking, scams, and arms sales on Telegram.
• Durov posted a €5 million bail following his arrest and has reportedly acknowledged the gravity of the allegations during questioning in December 2024.
• The case has reignited debates over the responsibilities of tech platforms in regulating content and has drawn international attention, including public support from Elon Musk and warnings from the Kremlin.