Belgian authorities have reportedly been investigating Telegram, a popular messaging app, since 2020. In light of recent developments, they have formed a joint investigation team with French judicial authorities to further examine the platform’s role in illegal activities. Eric Vandersippt, a representative of the Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office, confirmed this cooperation in an interview with De Standaard.
Vandersippt noted that suspects involved in various illegal activities, particularly arms trafficking, often use Telegram as a communication tool. He emphasized the widespread use of the platform among criminal networks, which has prompted this joint investigation with France.
Details of the Investigation
Before Vandersippt’s statement, the public was largely unaware of Belgium’s investigation into Telegram. However, after France began a similar inquiry, the two countries decided to join efforts, hoping that a coordinated approach would make it easier to exchange information and streamline investigative actions.
In late August, Telegram founder Pavel Durov was detained in France, reminds NIXsolutions. Shortly afterward, he faced charges, including alleged complicity in managing an online platform for illegal transactions, withholding information from authorized bodies, and money laundering. Though released from custody, Durov remains under judicial supervision in France. Responding to these developments, Durov stated that Telegram may disclose the IP addresses and phone numbers of users violating platform policies to relevant authorities, as allowed by local laws.
Data Disclosure and Privacy Policy
In October, Durov clarified that Telegram has been disclosing user data in cases of rule violations since 2018, consistent with its privacy policy in most regions. He noted that such disclosures are done in response to legally justified requests, which aligns with the service’s commitment to security and regulatory compliance.
As investigations progress, the Belgian-French joint team aims to delve further into Telegram’s role in illegal transactions. We’ll keep you updated as new information emerges.