An investigating judge extended policy custody of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov on Tuesday evening. According to the local media reports, Durov, who was detained at Le Bourget Airport on Saturday, will remain in custody for an additional 48 hours. The wiretap was approved by an investigating judge on Tuesday evening as part of a preliminary investigation that began the previous month. The case against the tech CEO includes 12 criminal charges, and if found guilty, he could face severe penalties.
Details of the Investigation in Pavel Durov’s Arrest
Pavel Durov was arrested for an additional period as part of the French investigation that began last month. Among the charges against him are conspiracy to distribute child sexual abuse material and drug distribution. These serious charges are being closely followed by the police and other members of society. According to French officials, the operation is based on activities performed on Telegram, a messaging app with high-level confidentiality. Thus, French prosecutors have stated that it is possible to bring further charges against Pavel Durov based on materials obtained during his arrest.
Speaking to the press, a representative of the French judiciary stated, ‘This is not a simple case; there are many severe allegations of criminal activity based on multiple incidents. However, with the extended custody, it is possible to review the information related to Durov more thoroughly.’ The details of the evidence against Durov were not disclosed; however, insiders estimate that it may include communications and transactions in encrypted messages and financial records.
International Reactions and Legal Complications
Pavel Durov currently holds citizenship in several countries, including Russia, France, the UAE, and the independent state of St. Kitts and Nevis. This has sparked outrage globally, particularly among Russians, as Durov first made his political foray in Russia as the owner of VKontakte, a social networking site. The Russian government has protested the detention, calling it an unjustified violation of the rights of one of their citizens.
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In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, ‘We consider the detention of Pavel Durov to be unlawful and call on the French side to address this issue; Russia will protect its citizens worldwide.’ This statement reflects Moscow’s concerns about the rights of its citizens in foreign countries, especially those with global influence. Meanwhile, Durov’s lawyers are planning to appeal the detention, which the businessman denies, citing politically motivated charges.
French Authorities Maintain Independence
Thus, French authorities continue to state that the French investigation is impartial and is being conducted strictly in compliance with the materials collected. French President Emmanuel Macron spoke publicly about this, noting that the arrest of Durov cannot be qualified as political. ‘This is part of an independent judicial process,’ Macron said, attempting to reassure both national and international audiences that the proceedings were fair.
In the opinion of legal scholars, the French judiciary is relatively free from influence, especially when handling high-profile criminal offenses. This indicates that the investigative judge believes there is sufficient reason for Durov to remain in custody for a longer period. Extended police custody is governed by French law, and in cases of serious crime, it is allowed for officers to detain suspects for an additional 48 hours to help authorities gather evidence and conduct interrogations.
Key Takeaways
The continued detention of Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov is a milestone in an intricate geopolitical legal struggle. In this case, 12 criminal charges are being investigated, and the verdict in this case can greatly affect both Durov and the further operation of Telegram. The officials of France continue to insist on conducting an impartial and fair judicial inquiry as a probe is still ongoing. The next 48 hours will be critical due to a decision made by the prosecutor for detaining Durov or charge him.
The case has gained significant attention due to the nature of the crime and players involved more so on issues of privacy, security, and the use of technology in the commission of a crime. Considering the given trends and developments, the events that are taking place in France today will define the public discussion of these issues for years to come. Whether Pavel Durov will be charged or be set free is still in the air but the result of this investigation will not be devoid of repercussions. Keep following TheBITJournal and stay updated on the legal case developments of Telegram CEO.
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