Telegram CEO Pavel Durov charged in France, released on bail of 5 million euros

French prosecutors make serious allegations against Pavel Durovthe CEO of telegramone of the world’s most used messaging apps. On Wednesday, Durov was charged with several counts, including aiding and abetting the distribution of child sexual abuse images, supporting organized crime and refusing to cooperate with law enforcement. After his arrest at an airport near ParisDurov was ordered to pay bail of 5 million euros (about $5.6 million) and is currently barred from leaving France.

Child protection advocates argue that Telegram has become a hotspot for illegal activity, particularly the sharing of child abuse images. In both France and the US, the law allows tech companies to be prosecuted for illegal content, which further exacerbates Durov’s legal challenges.

With over 950 million users worldwide, Telegram and its CEO now face an uncertain future as this groundbreaking case unfolds.