The small cybercrime unit within the Paris prosecutor’s office, led by 38-year-old Johanna Brousse, initiated an investigation into Telegram boss Pavel Durov. Durov, 39, was arrested last Saturday on organised crime charges, marking a shift in how global authorities handle tech chiefs unwilling to monitor illegal content on their platforms.
The arrest showcases the determination of the J3 cybercrime unit, but the true test lies in whether Brousse can secure a conviction using a unique legal argument. Prosecutors argue that Durov is responsible for illegal activity on his platform, such as child sex abuse images, drug trafficking, and fraud.
Durov’s lawyer refuted the claims, stating that the platform complies with European laws. Brousse’s unit began investigating Durov after seeing numerous crimes linked to the app and receiving minimal response from Telegram.
The case against Durov sets a precedent for global tech leaders, emphasizing the importance of complying with legal requests. The J3 unit, although small, prioritizes severe cybercrimes, aiming to prosecute international cases.
With innovative approaches, Brousse and her team strive to ensure cybercriminals are held accountable, setting the stage for future prosecutions and regulatory challenges in the tech industry.