Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Faces First Court Hearing in Paris

Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, appeared in a Paris court for questioning. Prosecutors accuse Telegram of enabling criminal activities through encrypted messaging. Durov, alongside his lawyers, answered questions on Dec. 6 at 10:00 am CET. While expressing trust in French justice, he declined to discuss the case further.

Legal Troubles Surrounding Durov

Durov’s legal issues began with his arrest on Aug. 24 at Le Bourget airport. Authorities released him after he posted a $6 million bail. However, he cannot leave France until March 2025. Preliminary charges filed on Aug. 28 claim Telegram facilitated illegal transactions.

If convicted, Durov faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of 500,000 euros. Investigations into Telegram started in February 2024 and escalated to a judicial inquiry by July. Prosecutors argue Telegram’s encryption shields illicit activities, raising concerns over its market influence.

Industry experts warn this case could impact privacy-focused Web3 technologies. Critics fear the legal battle may create pressure to weaken encryption standards.

Privacy Concerns and Past Challenges

The controversy highlights tensions between privacy rights and law enforcement goals. Privacy advocates argue encrypted platforms like Telegram protect users from surveillance. Meanwhile, authorities view these tools as potential shields for criminals.

Sources claim Durov’s phone was hacked in 2017, a year before his meeting with President Macron. This revelation adds complexity to his challenges, showing privacy battles extend beyond Telegram itself.

The case against Durov has far-reaching implications. The outcome may shape the future of encrypted messaging and privacy in the digital age. As Durov faces growing scrutiny, global eyes remain fixed on Paris.