French prosecutors are expected to either charge or release Telegram CEO Pavel Durov after his police custody order expires on Wednesday. Durov was detained on Saturday at Le Bourget airport near Paris as part of a judicial inquiry that began last month. The investigation involves 12 alleged criminal violations, including accusations that Telegram is being used for selling child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, fraud, aiding organized crime, and refusing to cooperate with legal investigations.
Under French law, Durov can be held for questioning for up to 96 hours, with his custody extended on Monday for an additional 48 hours. After this period, authorities must decide whether to release or charge him.
Durov’s arrest has sparked outrage in Russia, with some officials claiming it is politically motivated and highlights the West’s double standard on freedom of speech. This reaction has drawn attention, especially given that Russian authorities attempted to block Telegram in 2018 but lifted the ban in 2020.
