Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was formally charged by a French judge on Wednesday with being complicit in criminal activities occurring on the messaging app, according to the Paris prosecutor’s office.
Durov was released on bail of 5 million euros.
He faces accusations of facilitating the distribution of child pornography, illegal transactions, money laundering, organized fraud, and drug trafficking through Telegram.
One of the charges could result in a 10-year prison sentence and a €500,000 fine.
Prosecutors allege that Durov failed to comply with requests for information or documents related to these criminal activities. He faces six charges and is now under judicial supervision, including restrictions on leaving France and mandatory check-ins at a police station twice a week.
The indictment followed his release from police custody after several days of questioning.
Durov, who holds dual French and Russian citizenship, was detained at Paris-Le Bourget Airport on Saturday, and judges had until Wednesday to decide on charges.
The investigation, which started last month, focuses on alleged criminal activity linked to Telegram. Prosecutors highlighted the platform’s poor response to legal orders as a factor prompting the criminal investigation. A preliminary investigation began in February, and a formal judicial inquiry was launched on July 8.
Telegram, founded by Durov and his brother Nikolai in 2013, has been implicated in cases related to pedophilia, trafficking, and online hate.
The company responded to the arrest by stating that it complies with EU laws and maintains high standards for content moderation. Telegram criticized the notion that the platform or its owner should be held responsible for its misuse, emphasizing its role as a communication tool for nearly a billion users worldwide.
The arrest has stirred controversy, particularly in Russia, where concerns about free speech and privacy have been raised.
Western governments have long criticized Telegram for its perceived lack of content moderation, which they argue facilitates criminal activity.
