Telegram’s Founder Back in the Hot Seat: French Authorities Probe App’s Alleged Dark Side

Edyme

July 30, 2025

In a statement issued through his legal team on Monday, he reiterated that Telegram was never intended for unlawful purposes

Pavel Durov, founder of the popular messaging platform Telegram, is once again in the spotlight as French authorities continue their investigation into illegal activity allegedly linked to the app.

The 40-year-old tech entrepreneur reportedly appeared before a Paris court on Monday for a third round of questioning, accompanied by a team of four lawyers.

The inquiry centers on claims that Telegram was used to facilitate illicit transactions, share illegal content, and enable organized crime, a case that has drawn significant attention across Europe.

Durov denies allegations amid expanded investigation

According to French judicial sources, the questioning is part of an ongoing investigation that began with Durov’s detention in Paris in 2024.

Authorities have accused him of complicity in allowing Telegram to be used for illegal activities, including the circulation of child sexual abuse material and other prohibited content.

Durov has consistently denied these allegations.

In a statement issued through his legal team on Monday, he reiterated that Telegram was never intended for unlawful purposes, saying the session gave him an opportunity “to provide additional explanations demonstrating the inanity of the facts under investigation.”

During earlier questioning in late 2024, he admitted that criminal groups have increasingly used the platform but said Telegram was working on improving its moderation and cooperation with law enforcement agencies.

Sources close to organized crime investigations have confirmed that communication with Telegram has improved since Durov’s arrest.

The company reportedly began taking a more active role in responding to law enforcement requests following the legal proceedings.

Legal challenges and restrictions on movement

After his detention, Durov was initially prohibited from leaving France but was later granted limited travel rights, allowing him to reside in the United Arab Emirates for up to two weeks at a time.

His lawyers have filed legal motions in France challenging the legitimacy of his indictment, as well as a request for a preliminary ruling from the European Union’s top court to assess the case's constitutional aspects.

The French probe is ongoing, and no formal trial date has been set.

Telegram, which claims over 900 million active users globally, remains under scrutiny as authorities in multiple jurisdictions raise questions about how encrypted messaging apps balance privacy, free speech, and compliance with laws on harmful or illegal online content.