Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was released on €5M bail in France, facing charges over the misuse of the platform.
- Telegram CEO was released on bail in France.
- Durov faces a legal battle in France.
- France arrested Durov for his role in Telegram.
The arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov shook the crypto and tech industries, with many calling out French authorities over the decision. The Russian tech CEO was accused of enabling the use of Telegram for illegal purposes, including drug trafficking and terrorism.
Recently, authorities revealed the biggest development in the case so far. Following several days of custody, a judge allowed Durov to leave custody on a bail of €5 million. However, conditions to the bail apply.
Durov Released on Bail, But Can’t Leave France
Telegram’s CEO is likely facing a protracted legal battle in France over his management of Telegram. On Thursday, August 28, a French judge released Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, on a €5 million bail after his arrest just days earlier.
French authorities arrested Durov on August 25 for his role in managing Telegram. The case brought against him alleges he was complicit in organized crime, money laundering, and other illegal activities that happened on Telegram.
Durov’s lawyer, on the other hand, called the charges “absurd” and claimed Telegram complied with all regulations.
As part of his bail conditions, Durov is under strict judicial supervision. He is prohibited from leaving France and is required to report to the police twice a week.
Arrest Divides Tech World, Regulators
Durov’s arrest has drawn support from various figures within the tech industry. These include Elon Musk, Vitalik Buterin, and Edward Snowden. They expressed concerns over the implications of the arrest for free speech.
After mounting criticism, French President Emmanuel Macron had to respond on social media. He claimed the arrest was “in no way a political decision” but rather part of an independent judicial investigation.
At the same time, Russian officials, who normally see Telegram with suspicion, have condemned France for Durov’s arrest.
However, Telegram boasts on its website that, so far, it shared no user information with any third party, including law enforcement.
Telegram messages are not end-to-end encrypted by default, meaning third parties could theoretically access user data.
Durov’s arrest has important implications both for Telegram, an app popular among crypto users, and TON, a blockchain integrated with the app. It is also key in the debate over the future of digital platforms and the respective roles of governments and tech companies.
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