news

Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov released by French authorities

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was released by French authorities on Wednesday after being detained over allegations that the messaging platform was being used for illegal activities.

He is expected to face a court appearance soon, where a judge will decide if he will be formally investigated in connection with an ongoing probe into organized crime linked to the app.

According to a statement from the Paris prosecutor’s office, as reported by the Associated Press, “An investigating judge has concluded Pavel Durov’s police custody and will bring him to court for a preliminary appearance and potential indictment.”

Durov, 39, a Russian-born billionaire, was arrested on Saturday, August 24, at Le Bourget Airport in France after arriving from Azerbaijan on a private jet. His arrest followed an investigation initiated by France’s National Anti-Fraud Office on July 8.

The probe is looking into alleged criminal activities on Telegram, including drug trafficking, fraud, money laundering, the distribution of child sexual abuse material, facilitating criminal transactions, and non-cooperation with law enforcement.

In response to these allegations, Telegram has reiterated its adherence to European Union laws, including the Digital Services Act, asserting, “It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for misuse of that platform.”

Under French law, Durov was held in custody for up to 96 hours, the maximum duration permitted before formal charges must be filed.

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

‘Watch Akume’s alliance with Ortom’ – North-Central APC Forum tells Tinubu

The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum has urged President Bola Tinubu to keep a…

8 hours ago

They want me dead for criticising Bola Tinubu govt – Peter Obi raises alarm

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in Nigeria’s 2023 general election, has raised an…

8 hours ago

Cubana Chiefpriest babymama saga: Burna Boy offers to sponsor Hellen son, promises new life in Nigeria

The controversy surrounding Cubana Chiefpriest’s alleged babymama, Hellen, took a dramatic turn during the weekend…

20 hours ago

Port Harcourt Refinery to begin supplying petrol to marketers this week

Barring any last-minute changes, petroleum marketers and retailers are set to start lifting Premium Motor…

20 hours ago

Fuel price set to crash as PETROAN asks NNPC to sell petrol from Port Harcourt Refinery at Lagos rates

The Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum…

20 hours ago

El-Rufai slams fake news, insists he has not joined PDP

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed rumors claiming he has joined the…

20 hours ago