Pavel Durov questioned in France over Telegram crime allegations
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Telegram founder Pavel Durov is contesting charges in France accusing him of enabling criminal activity on the platform, as his legal team challenges the investigation's legitimacy both domestically and at the EU level.
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Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov appears at an event on Aug. 1, 2017 in Jakarta, Indonesia (AP Photo/Tatan Syuflana, File)
Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, appeared before French magistrates on Monday as part of an ongoing judicial inquiry into the alleged role of the messaging service in facilitating criminal activities. The questioning, held at the Paris courthouse, marked the third session since formal proceedings were launched against him last year.
Durov, 40, arrived with a legal team of four, continuing his defense against charges accusing him of complicity in operating a platform that enabled a range of illegal conduct, from organized crime operations to the dissemination of child sexual abuse material.
The Russian-born entrepreneur, who also holds French citizenship, was initially detained in Paris in 2024. Following his arrest, he was subjected to travel restrictions, although these were eased in early July to permit limited stays in the United Arab Emirates.
The legal case against Durov hinges on allegations that Telegram has become a hub for unlawful transactions and criminal networks. While denying the accusations, Durov acknowledged during his first interrogation in December 2024 that there was a "growing criminal presence" on the app and committed to bolstering the platform’s moderation systems.
Durov Defends Telegram
In a statement released Monday, his lawyers said the daylong session had given Durov "the opportunity to provide additional explanations demonstrating the inanity of the facts that are the subject of the investigation."
French authorities have reportedly seen a shift in Telegram’s responsiveness to law enforcement since Durov’s legal troubles began. A source involved in organized crime investigations noted that cooperation from the platform has notably improved.
Read more: Telegram jumps to $540mn profit despite founder facing legal peril: FT
Despite this, Durov’s defense team has taken a combative stance. Legal motions have been submitted to the Paris Appeals Court to annul the charges. "We firmly contest the legality of our client's indictment and that of the numerous investigative acts carried out in defiance of domestic and European law," the lawyers declared.
In addition to challenging the case domestically, the defense has lodged a request for constitutional review in France and sought guidance from the European Union’s top court on the broader legal implications.
