Telegram founder appears in Paris court as custody period ends
Pavel Durov, the CEO and founder of Telegram, made a court appearance in Paris on August 28 after spending several days in custody. The move follows his arrest on August 24 at Le Bourget airport.
Reports confirm that Durov, who had been held at the National Anti-Fraud Bureau in the Paris suburbs, was brought to court around 1:00 pm UTC.
The French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) and Russian outlet RIA Novosti reported his transfer, noting that his initial detention period was nearing its end.
Earlier in the day, a RIA Novosti correspondent observed police vehicles transporting Durov from his detention location.
The purpose of his court appearance is to undergo an initial interrogation and possibly face charges, depending on the findings of the investigating judge.
Durov’s detention was extended up to August 28, giving French authorities time to question him regarding a range of serious allegations.
These include involvement in illegal activities, refusal to cooperate with authorities, money laundering, and unreported cryptology services.
The Paris Prosecutor’s Office is expected to release further details on Durov’s case.
