Pavel Durov Shares Testimony in Paris for Initial Appearance

Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Faces Allegations and Detained in France

In a surprising turn of events, Pavel Durov, the founder of popular messaging app Telegram, has found himself embroiled in a legal battle in France. On December 6, Durov was questioned by authorities over allegations of aiding in the distribution of narcotics, child pornography, and refusing to provide information requested by authorities.

The investigation against Durov is being conducted by the French public prosecutor's office. He was initially detained at Le Bourget Airport in Paris on August 24, with the prosecution accusing him of operating a platform that allegedly enabled illegal transactions.

Despite the serious nature of the accusations, Durov has denied all charges against him. In a statement, he expressed trust in the French judicial system but didn't make further comments.

Details about the questioning of Durov remain undisclosed. However, it was reported by 20 Minutes, citing AFP, that Durov was released on bail of €5 million. The condition for his release is that he reports to the police twice a week. Durov is prohibited from leaving France.

In September, Durov announced enhanced moderation measures for Telegram, aiming to create a safer and more secure environment for its users. The timing of these measures has raised questions, with some suggesting a potential link to the ongoing investigation.

The accusations against Durov are linked to organized crime. If found guilty, he could face significant penalties, including imprisonment. The case is ongoing, and updates are expected in the coming months.

As the investigation continues, Durov's detention and questioning have sent shockwaves through the tech community. The future of Telegram remains uncertain, with many questioning what this means for the privacy-focused messaging app and its founder.