According to the Paris prosecutor, the case includes twelve criminal offences.
Durov is accused of being complicit with managing an online platform enabling illegal transactions by criminal gangs. Other charges include possession and distribution of child abuse images, drug offences, fraud, and money laundering. Durov’s encrypted messaging service, Telegram, is accused of aiding these gangs without disclosure.
Durov, a 39-year-old businessman with dual French and Russian nationality, was arrested on Saturday evening at Paris-Le Bourget Airport, north of Paris. His temporary detention has been extended to Wednesday evening.
The French judiciary argues that Telegram provides too much freedom to criminals. It alleges that this makes the firm complicit with drug trafficking, the circulation of child abuse images, and fraud.
Founded by Durov and his brother Nikolai in 2013, the encrypted messaging service is often used by criminals. The company has vowed never to disclose information about its over 950 million users worldwide.
Telegram insisted on Sunday evening that its CEO “has nothing to hide.” The company argued that it is absurd to hold a platform or its head accountable for wrongdoings found on the said platform.
