In a significant development, Pavel Durov, co-founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, has been granted temporary freedom to leave France amid ongoing criminal investigations.
Pavel Durov Cleared for Temporary Departure from France Amid Controversial Charges
Pavel Durov Cleared for Temporary Departure from France Amid Controversial Charges
Telegram's founder addresses charges linked to illicit platform activity while returning home to Dubai.
In a statement made on March 15, 2025, Pavel Durov, the chief executive of Telegram, confirmed his return to Dubai after several months of being under scrutiny in France due to serious allegations concerning the messaging platform. The Paris prosecutor's office revealed that the judges overseeing Durov's case had lifted his travel restrictions, allowing him to leave France between March 15 and April 7. However, he is required to return to the country for further proceedings.
Durov, a 40-year-old Russian-born entrepreneur, faced charges last year for his alleged involvement in facilitating illegal activities on Telegram, including drug trafficking, distribution of child sexual abuse material, and other offenses. Legal authorities reported that his potential sentence could reach up to 10 years in prison.
“I spent several months in France due to an investigation related to the activity of criminals on Telegram,” said Durov, expressing relief about being back in Dubai. He has criticized the French authorities for the arrest, asserting that he cannot be held accountable for the content users share on the platform.
In light of the mounting scrutiny, Telegram has made various efforts to improve monitoring of its application and corroborate with law enforcement agencies globally since the arrest of Durov last August.
Durov, a 40-year-old Russian-born entrepreneur, faced charges last year for his alleged involvement in facilitating illegal activities on Telegram, including drug trafficking, distribution of child sexual abuse material, and other offenses. Legal authorities reported that his potential sentence could reach up to 10 years in prison.
“I spent several months in France due to an investigation related to the activity of criminals on Telegram,” said Durov, expressing relief about being back in Dubai. He has criticized the French authorities for the arrest, asserting that he cannot be held accountable for the content users share on the platform.
In light of the mounting scrutiny, Telegram has made various efforts to improve monitoring of its application and corroborate with law enforcement agencies globally since the arrest of Durov last August.
