Lawyer Pavel Durov: Telegram Case Investigation Is Really Unreasonable

JAKARTA - Telegram boss Pavel Durov's lawyer, who is being investigated in France, called the legal process very unreasonable. Lawyers questioned the investigation into Durov's alleged responsibility for criminal acts through the Telegram platform.

A French judge put Durov in the investigation saying he was suspected of being involved in running an online platform that allows illicit transactions, images of child pornography, and drug trafficking. Durov is also under investigation on suspicion of money laundering and refusal to cooperate with judicial authorities.

Durov, who spent four days in police custody after his arrest on Saturday was granted bail on condition that he paid 5 million euros (US $ 5.6 million) and did not leave the French region.

Durov also had to report twice a week to the city police where he would live.

The Telegram CEO must be at home at certain hours, said a justice source.

"It really doesn't make sense to think that the head of a social network could be involved in criminal acts that don't concern him, either directly or indirectly," said attorney David-Olivier Kaminski, who represented Durov in France.

"Telegram fully complies with European rules on digital," he said.

Placed in a formal investigation in France does not imply a person is found guilty or has to go to court, but shows the judge considers there is sufficient evidence to continue the investigation.

Investigations can last years before being sent to court or suspended.