Kremlin Denies Deals with Telegram's Pavel Durov Amid French Investigation

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov states no deals were made with Telegram's Pavel Durov and is unaware of meetings between Durov and President Putin. A French judge has placed Durov under investigation for complicity in hosting illegal activities on Telegram. However, Peskov emphasized this should not be a political persecution.

The Kremlin has refuted claims of any deals with Telegram boss Pavel Durov, according to spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Friday. Peskov also mentioned President Vladimir Putin has had no meetings with the tech entrepreneur.

A French judge formally named Russian-born Durov under investigation on Wednesday for suspected involvement in operating an online platform facilitating illicit transactions, child abuse images, drug trafficking, and fraud. Durov's lawyer deemed the charges "absurd," asserting his innocence.

"There were no negotiations between Durov and the Kremlin," Peskov reiterated, noting Durov's liberty to travel as a Russian citizen. Peskov stressed that the case against Durov should not evolve into political persecution. Previous efforts by Russia to block Telegram in 2018 were unsuccessful, and the situation has strained Franco-Russian relations, with some pro-Kremlin figures blaming Washington for Durov's situation, an allegation denied by Paris.

(With inputs from agencies.)