Durov Case in France: Durov’s Lawyer Denies Involvement in Crimes via Telegram

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The lawyer representing the businessman, David-Olivier Kaminsky, argued that the charges leveled against Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, alleging his involvement in crimes carried out through the messenger, were unfounded. The lawyer was quoted by RIA Novosti, referencing French media coverage and presenting a clear challenge to the allegations that Durov could be implicated in illicit activities conducted via the platform he helped create.

Kaminsky emphasized that it would be illogical to suppose that Durov had a role in criminal acts facilitated by Telegram, effectively suggesting a disconnect between the founder and any unlawful use of the service. The remarks form part of a broader defense strategy that positions Durov as a technological entrepreneur whose public commitment has focused on privacy and secure communications, rather than illegal conduct.

The chronology of events shows that Durov was detained after arriving at Le Bourget Airport near Paris on the evening of August 24, having flown in from Azerbaijan. During the initial phases of the legal process, media reports outlined the sequence of events surrounding his arrival and subsequent handling by French authorities. The French police subsequently stated that the businessman faced accusations related to a refusal to cooperate in investigations connected to cyber and financial crimes associated with Telegram, as reported by Reuters. According to these statements, Durov was reportedly under investigation by national cybercrime and fraud departments, highlighting the seriousness with which French authorities were treating the matter.

Further updates indicated that, on the evening of August 28, a Paris court delivered a verdict in connection with the case. The court convicted Pavel Durov on six charges that included a refusal to cooperate with intelligence services, cyber fraud, and alleged involvement in the distribution of drugs and child pornography through Telegram. The ruling also imposed a set of conditions designed to supervise his behavior while in France. Specifically, Durov was placed under judicial supervision, released on bail of €5 million, and required to report to the police twice weekly. Additionally, he was prohibited from leaving French territory as a condition of his bail. The reporting requirements and travel restrictions are described in the material published by New Newspapers, cited here for attribution.

In the wake of these proceedings, German authorities were noted to have raised concerns about an insufficient willingness to cooperate with investigations tied to Telegram. This issue pointed to broader questions about cross-border cooperation in cybercrime cases and the responsibilities of platform founders and operators when faced with legal inquiries in multiple jurisdictions. The reported developments underscore the complex interplay between digital platforms, regulatory oversight, and international legal processes as authorities in different countries pursue potential offenses linked to online services.

Observers of the case note the unusual nature of a tech founder facing a multifaceted set of charges that span non-cooperation with authorities and alleged online crimes conducted via a proprietary messaging service. The situation has attracted substantial media attention and sparked discussions about accountability, privacy rights, and the limits of platform governance in the realm of cybercriminal activity. While Kaminsky’s comments frame the accusations as improbable and politically motivated, the court’s decision and the ongoing investigations reflect a phase of intense legal scrutiny that could influence future regulatory approaches to encrypted communication tools and their use in illicit activities. The case continues to develop as authorities gather further evidence and formal testimonies, with supporters and critics closely watching how due process unfolds in France and related jurisdictions. Attribution: Reuters, RIA Novosti, New Newspapers.

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