Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, has been granted permission by French authorities to leave France temporarily amidst an ongoing investigation into criminal activities allegedly facilitated through his messaging...
Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, has been granted permission by French authorities to leave France temporarily amidst an ongoing investigation into criminal activities allegedly facilitated through his messaging platform. Durov, who had been under judicial supervision since his arrest in August 2024, departed for Dubai on Saturday, March 15, 2025, with authorization to remain abroad for several weeks. France 24
The TON token pumped 20% after the news. Neither Durov or Telegram have made any public comment following initial reports from various media outlets.
The investigation centers on accusations that Telegram has been used to enable organized crime, including drug trafficking and money laundering. French prosecutors allege that Durov’s platform has not sufficiently cooperated with law enforcement efforts to curb these illegal activities. Following his arrest, Durov was required to post a €5 million bail and was prohibited from leaving France until the recent court approval. Reuters
This development has heightened tensions between France and Russia, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The case has also sparked discussions about the balance between protecting free speech on digital platforms and ensuring compliance with law enforcement to prevent criminal misuse. Reuters
Durov’s temporary relocation to Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered, raises questions about the future direction of the platform and its policies regarding content moderation and cooperation with international authorities. As the investigation continues, the tech community and users worldwide are closely monitoring the situation for further developments.
