Telegram CEO Under Scrutiny: French Investigation Raises Serious Allegations

French authorities have formally investigated Telegram CEO Pavel Durov on charges of organized crime facilitated through the messaging app. Allegations include complicity in illicit transactions, child sex abuse, drug trafficking, and failure to cooperate with authorities. Durov was granted bail under strict conditions upon payment of 5 million euros.

The French lawyer for Telegram CEO Pavel Durov has denounced allegations against his client, calling it 'totally absurd' to suggest that the head of the social network could be involved in criminal activities, according to reports from Franceinfo and BFM TV.

Durov has been placed under formal investigation by a French judge as part of a broader probe into organized crime occurring on the messaging app. However, Durov was granted bail with conditions, including a 5 million euro payment, bi-weekly police reporting, and a travel restriction from leaving France.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that there were sufficient grounds to investigate Durov on all charges, which include facilitating illicit transactions, disseminating child sex abuse images, drug trafficking, fraud, non-cooperation with authorities, money laundering, and providing cryptographic services to criminals. As of now, Durov's lawyer has not commented on Reuters' request for more information.

(With inputs from agencies.)