Telegram CEO and co-founder Pavel Durov has been charged in Paris, France, with allegedly facilitating “various criminal activities ” through his Telegram app. French prosecutors accuse Durov of “ managing an online platform that allowed organized groups to conduct illegal business .” The charge could see Durov face up to 10 years in prison and a €500,000 fine.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov faces 10 years in prison for “facilitating various criminal activities”

Telegram has been “virtually unresponsive ” to legal requests for user data to combat online crime, prosecutors say . Prosecutors allege the company facilitated crimes such as child abuse material, drug trafficking and improper use of encryption technologies.

Durov was arrested immediately after his private plane landed at Paris Le Bourget Airport on August 24. French police believe Telegram is not complying with regulations and that criminal activity is rampant on the platform. Durov was set a €5 million bail for his pre-trial release and is banned from leaving France . He is also required to report to the police twice a week.

These developments have once again raised questions about Telegram’s compliance with European regulations and whether the platform provides sufficient protection against criminal activity. Durov’s defense against these accusations is awaited with interest.

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