cryptojournalist
On Dec. 6, Telegram founder Pavel Durov was questioned in a Paris court over accusations that his app has been used for illegal activities. He told reporters he trusted the French legal system but didn’t share more details.
The Backstory
Durov’s troubles began in August when he was arrested at a Paris airport. Though he posted a $6 million bail, he’s stuck in France until at least 2025. Prosecutors claim Telegram has been a tool for illegal transactions, and Durov could face up to 10 years in prison and a €500,000 fine if convicted.
Why It Matters
The case has raised eyebrows in the tech world. Many compare Durov’s situation to the arrest of Tornado Cash developer Alexey Pertsev, worrying it signals a growing crackdown on privacy-focused technology. Some see this as a risk to digital privacy and innovation, calling for caution against government overreach.
