Telegram CEO Charged by French Authorities, Released on Bail

French authorities issue preliminary charges against Pavel Durov after detaining and questioning him over allegedly allowing illegal activities on the platform.

Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov delivers a speech in Barcelona, Spain, on Feb. 23, 2016. Albert Gea/Reuters

French authorities on Aug. 28 issued preliminary charges against Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, accusing him of permitting alleged criminal activity on the messaging app.

The charging decision comes four days after French authorities detained Durov at the Paris–Le Bourget Airport, as he arrived on his private jet from Azerbaijan.