Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Denounces French Arrest as Investigation Stalls

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has publicly criticized his August 2024 arrest by French authorities, calling the charges "legally and logically absurd." The messaging app CEO faces 12 counts, including complicity in money laundering and facilitating criminal operations, yet maintains his innocence as the probe continues without clear evidence.

Durov emphasized Telegram's compliance with industry-standard moderation practices and noted the platform's consistent responses to legally binding requests from French regulators. The arrest drew sharp condemnation from crypto communities and free speech advocates, with Edward Snowden accusing French President Emmanuel Macron of "taking hostages to gain access to private communications."

The case unfolds amid growing regulatory pressure on encrypted messaging platforms globally. Denmark's proposed "Chat Control" legislation, which WOULD require platforms like Telegram to scan every user message, has reportedly gained support from 19 EU member states.