Telegram boss banned from leaving France

Pavel Durov has left the Paris courthouse discreetly. The Telegram boss is free but under conditions, including a ban on leaving French territory. He is under investigation for 12 offences, including refusal to communicate information, complicity in the dissemination of child pornography, complicity in drug trafficking and laundering of crimes.

For the first time, justice is not only targeting the platform’s users, but is also attacking its boss. His lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, who is judging “It is totally absurd to think that the head of a social network could be involved in criminal acts that do not concern him either directly or indirectly.”. Founded in 2013, the messaging platform is accused of harboring criminal networks. On Saturday, Pavel Durov was arrested upon his arrival in France, having come, according to him, to visit Emmanuel Macron.

The French president confirmed on Thursday evening that the Franco-Russian would be naturalised, but denied any plans for a meeting.