Telegram's Pavel Durov Faces Formal Investigation in France

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been transferred to an investigative judge following a four-day interrogation by French police. The judge will decide on a potential formal investigation related to organized crime on the messaging platform. Being formally investigated in France does not imply guilt.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been transferred to an investigative judge after undergoing a four-day interrogation by French police, a judicial source reported on Wednesday.

The investigative judge will determine whether the Russian-born billionaire should face a formal investigation in connection with a probe into organized crime on the messaging app. A decision is anticipated later on Wednesday.

In France, being placed under formal investigation does not indicate guilt or guarantee a trial, but suggests that judges have found sufficient grounds to continue the investigation. Such probes can extend for years before resulting in a trial or being dropped.