Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Faces Allegations in Paris Over Platform’s Role in Crimes
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Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was formally questioned in a Paris court on December 6, 2024, over allegations that Telegram facilitated illegal activities.
Accompanied by his legal team, Durov attended the session amid escalating concerns regarding the platform’s role in criminal transactions.
The inquiry stems from a February 2024 investigation that escalated to a judicial inquiry in July 2024, shortly before Durov’s brief detention at Le Bourget Airport in Paris. Released after posting a $6 million bail, Durov remains barred from leaving France until March 2025. Prosecutors have accused Telegram of enabling illicit transactions, and if convicted, Durov could face up to 10 years in prison and a €500,000 fine ($550,000).
Telegram’s Crypto Assets Reach $1.3 Billion
Despite legal challenges, Telegram has demonstrated remarkable growth in the cryptocurrency sector. The company’s crypto holdings surged from $400 million at the end of 2023 to $1.3 billion by mid-2024, fueled by strategic monetization initiatives:
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Toncoin Sales: Telegram sold $353 million worth of digital assets in the first half of 2024.
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Exclusivity Deal: A $225 million agreement made Toncoin the exclusive payment method for small business ads on Telegram.
This tripling in cryptocurrency holdings highlights Telegram’s position as a major player in the digital asset market, despite ongoing legal scrutiny.
Expanding Operations Amid Legal Concerns
Telegram’s decision to open a local office in Kazakhstan in October 2024 reflects its efforts to improve communication with regulators and strengthen content oversight. The move, endorsed by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development, underscores the company’s commitment to addressing regulatory concerns.
To mitigate allegations of misuse, Telegram has implemented measures such as:
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Data Sharing: Providing user information, including IP addresses and phone numbers, to authorities when necessary.
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AI Moderation: Deploying artificial intelligence to identify and block illicit content.
Durov expressed confidence in the French justice system but refrained from commenting further on the case’s progress.
Conclusion
While Telegram faces significant legal challenges, its financial performance and strategic expansion in cryptocurrency and global operations illustrate resilience. The case has ignited discussions on balancing platform security with user privacy, raising critical questions for the tech and crypto sectors.
With the legal proceedings ongoing, the outcome will have far-reaching implications for Telegram’s operations and the broader debate on the accountability of digital platforms.
