Durov taken to French court – media

Telegram CEO and founder Pavel Durov has been transferred to a Paris courthouse, where a decision will be made on whether he will be put under formal investigation following his arrest last week, according to several outlets.

Durov’s detention period expired on Wednesday according to AFP, citing a source familiar with the matter. He has reportedly now been released from police custody and transferred to court for possible indictment. According to Reuters, the judges’ decision on the matter is expected by 8pm local time (18:00 GMT).

Unverified videos circulating on social media claim to show two cars with sirens and lights leaving the anti-fraud bureau where Durov was reportedly held. 

Durov was arrested upon landing at a Paris airport on Saturday after arriving by private jet from Azerbaijan. According to French prosecutors, Durov, who holds the citizenships of France, Russia, the UAE, and St. Kitts and Nevis, was taken into custody as part of a broader probe into child pornography, drug sales, fraud and other criminal activities on the platform. Durov is also being investigated for allegedly refusing to cooperate with law enforcement efforts to look into cyber and financial crimes.