Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was taken to court from custody on Aug. 28, according to several reports.
The Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported that Durov was taken to the court at around 1:00 pm UTC.
The French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP News) confirmed the report, citing a source close to the case, stating that Durov is heading to Paris court as his initial detention period ends.
Telegram CEO appears before the investigating judge
Earlier on the day, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported that two cars with flashing lights left the National Anti-Fraud Bureau in the suburbs of Paris at high speed, where Telegram CEO Durov was supposed to be held.
Source: Mario Nawfal
RIA Novosti later reported that Durov appeared before the investigating judge, who may decide to charge him.
“The investigating judge stopped the detention of Pavel Durov and brought him in for the first interrogation and possible presentation of charges,” the source said.
Durov’s custody period in France ends
As previously reported, the Telegram founder was arrested at Le Bourget airport in Paris on Aug. 24. French prosecutors subsequently issued a statement on his arrest on Aug. 28.
The prosecutors said that Durov was taken into custody as part of a judicial investigation “against an unnamed person” on multiple charges, including conspiracy with illegal activities, refusal to communicate to authorities, money laundering, criminal association and providing cryptology services without prior declaration.
Related: Telegram CEO and brother’s arrest warrants were issued in March: Report
The French authorities mentioned that prosecutors intended to question Durov as part of the investigation and extended the timeframe for his custody to a maximum possible period of 96 hours from Aug. 25 to 28. The current detention period reportedly expires today at 6:00 pm UTC.
In addition to potential charges from the investigating judge, the Paris Prosecutor’s Office, or Parquet de Paris, is expected to issue a statement on Durov’s arrest later in the day.
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