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Pavel Durov, the enigmatic Russian-born billionaire and founder of the popular messaging platform Telegram, has been transferred from police custody to a French court for questioning, potentially paving the way for an indictment. Durov’s arrest on Saturday at Le Bourget Airport in Paris marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey, as he faces serious allegations related to Telegram’s content moderation practices.
According to reports, Durov left the anti-fraud office near Paris on Wednesday afternoon in a police vehicle, bound for the French court where he will undergo “initial questioning and possible indictment.” The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed the development, signaling a critical phase in the investigation.
Durov’s detention stems from Telegram’s alleged failure to effectively moderate content, leading to accusations that the platform has become a haven for illicit activities. Investigators are probing several serious offenses, including the use of Telegram by fraudsters, drug traffickers, and individuals distributing child pornography.
Under French law, Durov was held in custody for up to 96 hours, the maximum period allowed before charges must be filed. As the clock ticks down, the stakes are high for Durov and Telegram, which boasts over 950 million users globally.
Telegram’s end-to-end encryption has long been a double-edged sword. While it has facilitated private communication in countries with oppressive regimes, critics argue that it has also enabled illegal activities, including coordination by terrorists responsible for the November 2015 Paris attacks.
In a 2016 interview with CNN, Durov acknowledged the delicate balance between security and openness, stating, “You cannot make it safe against criminals and open for governments. It’s either secure or not secure.” As Durov faces the French court, the world watches, wondering if Telegram’s commitment to encryption will be its downfall or its salvation.
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