Getty Pictures | tSteve Jennings
As reports emerge, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has been formally indicted in a French court, with a steep price attached: he is required to post bail of €5 million, pending further proceedings. The multi-billionaire has been ordered to remain within the country’s borders and must submit regular updates to the authorities every two days as the investigation unfolds.
According to a recent announcement by Paris prosecutor Laurence Beccuau, the costs involved have been meticulously outlined. These costs are comparable to those that are feasible.
The primary cost listed is participating in the “masterminding” of a web-based platform designed to facilitate illegal transactions among an organized criminal group. As stated in today’s press release, this offense is punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a €500,000 fine.
Telegram’s alleged failure to comply with law enforcement requests hindered prison investigations, ultimately incurring a financial burden due to the refusal to provide necessary information or documentation required for completing lawful interceptions.
Beccau claims that Telegram’s response to requests for cooperation regarding crimes against minors, drug-related offenses, and online hate incidents is virtually non-existent. Authorities launched an inquiry into the potential criminal liability of the messaging app’s executives in connection with these offenses, according to Beccuau.
Durov was additionally charged with complicity in drug trafficking and the distribution of child pornography.
Cryptology-related costs
He was further accused of providing cryptographic services without submitting the requisite filings to law enforcement officials. Under France’s legislation, providers of cryptography must ensure the nation’s cybersecurity agency. The French authorities demanded that companies disclose the technical details and source code behind the encryption methods used in their declarations.
The fees towards Durov comprise “providing cryptographic services ensuring confidentiality without prior licensure,” “providing a cryptographic tool solely verifying authenticity or integrity monitoring without prior notification,” and “importing a cryptographic tool verifying authenticity or integrity monitoring without prior notification.”
Telegram offers a unique blend of private messaging and social networking features. While Telegram doesn’t require end-to-end encryption by default, users may opt to enable this security feature for individual chats.
Upon learning of Durov’s arrest, Telegram issued a statement on Sunday, affirming its commitment to adhering to laws and industry standards governing content moderation, while dismissing claims that the platform or its owner are accountable for any misuse.
The French authorities have also issued an international warrant for the arrest of Nikolai Durov, co-founder of Telegram alongside his brother Pavel, in connection with their investigation into the messaging app’s alleged compliance issues.
