Telegram CEO Pavel Durov awaits charges in France as firm denies law-breaking

Enlarge / Pavel Durov, CEO and co-founder of Telegram, speaks at TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2015 on September 21, 2015, in San Francisco, California. (credit: Getty Images | tSteve Jennings)

After the arrest of Telegram CEO and co-founder Pavel Durov in France over the weekend, his detention was extended for up to four days while a judge decides whether he should face criminal charges.

“The detention of Durov, 39, was extended beyond Sunday night by the investigating magistrate who is handling the case, according to a source close to the investigation,” Le Monde reported. “This initial period of detention for questioning can last up to a maximum of 96 hours. When this phase of detention ends, the judge can then decide to free him or press charges and remand in further custody.”

Telegram “is accused of failure to cooperate with law enforcement over drug trafficking, child sexual content and fraud,” the BBC wrote. Telegram yesterday said it “abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act,” and that the platform’s “moderation is within industry standards and constantly improving.”