Pavel Durov Provides Testimony in Paris for Initial Appearance

Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, has found himself in the centre of a legal storm in France. On August 24, 2024, Durov was detained at Le Bourget Airport in Paris.

According to a report by 20 Minutes, citing AFP, Durov was questioned by authorities on December 6, 2024. The content of the questioning remains undisclosed, but the accusations against him are serious. He is alleged to have aided in the distribution of narcotics and child pornography, as well as refusing to provide information requested by authorities.

Investigators have accused Durov of crimes linked to organized crime. However, Durov has denied all charges against him. He expressed trust in the French judicial system but did not make further comments during the questioning.

In a surprising turn of events, Durov was released on bail of €5 million, with the condition that he reports to the police twice a week. The exact date and location of the next hearing of Pavel Durov by the French authorities are not publicly available. The latest relevant data indicates that no subsequent hearing details have been reported up to September 2025.

Amidst these allegations, Durov announced enhanced moderation measures for Telegram in September 2024. These measures are aimed at ensuring a safer and more secure platform for its users.

Durov is currently prohibited from leaving France, and there is no information about when or if these restrictions will be lifted. As the case progresses, the tech community and the public alike will be closely watching the developments.