Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Faces Court in Paris Amid Legal Battle

Pavel Durov Appears Before Paris Court

Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has been taken to court in Paris following his detention, according to multiple reports. On August 28, Durov, who had been in custody since his arrest at Le Bourget airport, was escorted to the court around 1:00 pm UTC.

Both Russian news agency RIA Novosti and French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) confirmed Durov's court appearance, citing sources close to the case. The proceedings mark a significant development in the ongoing investigation surrounding the prominent tech entrepreneur.

High-Speed Escort to Court

Earlier in the day, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported witnessing two vehicles with flashing lights departing at high speed from the National Anti-Fraud Bureau, located in the Paris suburbs, where Durov was believed to be held. Shortly after, it was confirmed that Durov had appeared before the investigating judge. The judge is expected to determine whether charges will be brought against him in connection with the case.

Arrest and Detention Timeline

Durov’s legal troubles began on August 24 when he was arrested at Le Bourget airport in Paris. French prosecutors later issued a statement on August 28, outlining the charges under investigation. These include conspiracy, money laundering, refusal to cooperate with authorities, criminal association, and providing cryptography services without prior declaration. The arrest and subsequent detention have drawn widespread attention, particularly due to Durov's significant influence in the tech world as the leader of the encrypted messaging app Telegram.

The French authorities had extended Durov's custody period to a maximum of 96 hours, which expired at 6:00 pm UTC on August 28. As his detention period concluded, the investigation intensified, leading to his court appearance.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

As the investigation continues, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office, or Parquet de Paris, is expected to release a statement regarding Durov's arrest and the potential charges that may be brought against him. The outcome of the interrogation and any subsequent legal actions will be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the case and its potential implications for the future of Telegram and its leadership.

Pavel Durov's court appearance in Paris signals a critical juncture in the investigation surrounding his activities. As legal proceedings unfold, the tech community and the general public await further updates on the charges and the possible impact on Telegram's operations. The case highlights the complexities of global tech regulation and the legal challenges that can arise for influential figures in the industry.