In his case Pavel Durovfounder and CEO of the encrypted messaging app Telegram, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying that Durov is still a Russian citizen and that what is happening in France should not turn into a political prosecution. At the same time, he pointed out that Durov has everything he needs for legal defense, stating that Russia is ready to help him in whatever he wants.

Attorney Durov: “Absurd” to believe that my client is responsible for any criminal acts

At the same time, his lawyer Pavel Durovsaid it was “absolutely absurd” to believe that the head of a social network was responsible for any criminal acts committed on the platform, according to French media. Durov was officially placed under investigation in France yesterday, Wednesday.

A French judge on Wednesday formally placed Durov under investigation, saying he is suspected of complicity as the head of an online platform that allows illegal transactions, child sexual abuse images and drug smuggling. He is also being investigated for alleged money laundering and his refusal to cooperate with judicial authorities.

Durov, who spent four days in custody after being arrested by police on Saturday at an airport near Paris, was set to be released after posting bail of 5 million euros. He was also ordered to report to the police twice a week and was banned from leaving France.

His arrest sparked public debate over where free speech ends and law enforcement begins, as well as the extent to which tech companies should be held accountable for social media content. Telegram is used by almost a billion people.

“It is completely absurd to believe that the head of a social network could be involved in criminal acts that do not concern him, either directly or indirectly,” noted his lawyer Olivier Kaminski, who represents Durov in France, in comments made to journalists and which were broadcast by various French media.

“Telegram fully complies with European regulations on digital technology,” the lawyer added.

In France, putting someone under official investigation does not imply guilt, nor does it necessarily lead to a trial, but it does mean that judges will consider whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the investigation against them. Investigations can take years before a trial is decided or the case is dismissed.

Kaminsky has not yet responded to a Reuters request for comment.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who has a reputation as an avid Telegram user, said earlier this week about Durov’s arrest in France that it was “in no way a political decision” and that the investigation was decided by judicial authorities , not the government.

Macron had lunch with Durov in 2018 as part of a series of meetings he had with tech entrepreneurs, a source close to the French president said, and Durov was granted French citizenship in 2021 under a rare process for high-profile individuals.