Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has found himself at the center of a legal storm in Paris. On August 28, Durov was escorted to court from custody, as his initial detention period came to an end. Reports from the Russian news agency RIA Novosti indicate that Durov was taken to the court around 1:00 pm UTC.
Further confirmation came from Agence France-Presse (AFP News), citing sources close to the case. The sources revealed that Durov was being presented to a Parisian court, raising questions about potential charges he might face.
Earlier in the day, a dramatic scene unfolded when two cars with flashing lights sped away from the National Anti-Fraud Bureau in Paris, where Durov was reportedly held. According to RIA Novosti, Durov was brought before an investigating judge who may decide on formal charges.
Durov’s legal troubles began on August 24 when he was arrested at Le Bourget airport in Paris. French prosecutors later disclosed that Durov’s arrest was tied to an ongoing investigation involving multiple serious allegations. These include conspiracy with illegal activities, refusal to cooperate with authorities, money laundering, criminal association, and providing cryptology services without proper declaration.
French authorities extended Durov’s custody to the maximum allowable period of 96 hours, which ended today at 6:00 pm UTC. As his court appearance unfolded, speculation grew about the possible outcomes, with the Paris Prosecutor’s Office expected to issue a statement regarding the case later in the day.
The world now watches closely as one of tech’s most enigmatic figures faces potential criminal charges in Paris, a case that could have significant implications for both Durov and Telegram.