Pavel Durov, founder of messaging platform Telegram, underwent his fourth interrogation by French authorities on Wednesday as part of an investigation launched in 2024. The questioning session lasted more than six hours, according to statements from Durov's legal team.
Durov's attorneys contend that nearly two years after the investigation commenced, prosecutors have yet to produce substantive evidence supporting the charges leveled against the entrepreneur. The prolonged nature of the questioning—coupled with the defense team's assertion regarding evidentiary gaps—suggests the case remains in active investigative stages without clear resolution.
The investigation centers on allegations related to Telegram's operational practices, though French authorities have not publicly detailed specific charges. Durov was arrested in August 2024 following his arrival in France, triggering broader discussions within the cryptocurrency and blockchain communities about regulatory approaches to decentralized platforms and their founders.