Telegram founder Durov released on bail

PARIS: Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been released on bail after being arrested in France and following questioning by an investigative judge, Paris prosecutors said on Wednesday evening, reported the German news agency (dpa).

A formal investigation has been launched against Durov on suspicion of insufficient cooperation with authorities regarding criminal investigations and aiding and abetting criminal offences on his messaging app, among other things, the Paris public prosecutor's office said.

Durov, who had been wanted in France, was detained after arriving at Paris' Le Bourget airport on Saturday upon arrival from Azerbaijan.

His arrest came amid a preliminary inquest into Telegram's lack of moderation and cooperation with law enforcement regarding drug trafficking, fraud and child-abuse offences on the social media platform, according to local media.

-- BERNAMA

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