The 39-year-old billionaire was detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris last Saturday as part of a broad judicial probe launched last month, which includes 12 alleged criminal violations. He was released on August 28 after four days of interrogation.
Preliminary charges were filed on Wednesday night, and Durov has been required to post a €5 million bail and report to a police station twice a week.
The accusations against Durov, who is a Russian-born French citizen, involve claims that his platform has been used for child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking, and that Telegram has refused to comply with legal demands for information and documents.
Durov’s arrest has sparked outrage in Russia, with some officials alleging that the move is politically motivated and indicative of Western hypocrisy regarding freedom of speech.
French President Emmanuel Macron clarified on Monday that the arrest is part of an independent investigation, not a political maneuver. Macron emphasized on X that France is committed to freedom of expression but insists that such freedoms must operate within a legal framework to protect citizens and their fundamental rights.
Telegram responded to Durov’s arrest by stating that it adheres to EU laws and maintains moderation standards that are continually improving. The platform’s statement called it “absurd” to hold the platform or its owner responsible for abuse occurring on it and expressed hope for a swift resolution.
In addition to his Russian citizenship, Durov holds citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and St. Kitts and Nevis. The UAE Foreign Ministry has said it is closely monitoring the situation and has requested that France provide Durov with all necessary consular services urgently.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed hope that Durov will have adequate legal defense and affirmed Moscow’s readiness to offer support, though he noted the complexity due to Durov’s French citizenship.
