Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been released on bail after being arrested in France last week and questioned by an investigating judge, prosecutors in Paris said Wednesday evening.
A formal case has been opened against Durov on suspicion of, among other things, failing to cooperate with authorities in criminal investigations and complicity in crimes committed through his messaging app, the Paris public prosecutor’s office said.
The Telegram boss has been placed under judicial supervision and ordered to post €5 million ($5.5 million) bail, prosecutors said.
In addition, he must report to the police station twice a week and is not allowed to leave France.
Durov was arrested on Saturday after arriving at Le Bourget airport in Paris, having travelled from Azerbaijan.
According to local media, his arrest came as part of a preliminary investigation into Telegram’s lack of moderation and cooperation with law enforcement regarding drug trafficking, fraud and child abuse on the social media platform.
Telegram said in a statement issued after Durov’s arrest that the online messaging service complies with EU law and has not violated any regulations.
According to prosecutors, French authorities have been investigating Durov for some time now. They suspect that he is involved in drug trafficking, fraud and various crimes related to child abuse. This is due to a lack of intervention by Telegram and insufficient cooperation from the authorities.
It was initially unclear why Durov, a Russian-born French citizen, had traveled to Paris while wanted in France. Telegram, a popular messaging app, has long been accused of failing to crack down on hate speech and other illegal activities.
The investigation against Durov could eventually lead to a criminal trial if investigators believe there is sufficient evidence. Otherwise, the proceedings could be dropped.
According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, Durov could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of €500,000 for the accusation of complicity in illegal transactions via the messaging app.
