French prosecutors have filed charges against Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, setting a 5 million euro bail and prohibiting him from leaving France during the trial. The charges include conspiracy in organized crime, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a 500,000 euro fine; refusal to cooperate with criminal investigations; and almost complete inaction in response to requests for cooperation in cases involving crimes against minors, drug trafficking, and online hate speech, leading authorities to investigate the possible criminal liability of the application’s executives. Durov is also accused of involvement in drug trafficking and the dissemination of child pornography and failure to declare the provision of encrypted services to officials as required. French authorities have also issued an arrest warrant for Pavel Durov’s brother, Nikola. Durov holds dual citizenship in France and the United Arab Emirates.
