Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been granted permission to temporarily leave France, where he faces multiple charges related to allegedly enabling organized crime through his popular messaging platform. Sources close to the case confirmed to AFP that Durov departed France on Thursday with official authorization.
According to a source familiar with the matter, an investigating judge approved Durov’s request to modify the conditions of his supervision, allowing him to leave the country for “several weeks.” Another source indicated that he had traveled to Dubai. When contacted by AFP, a Telegram spokeswoman declined to comment, stating that the company would issue a statement later.
Durov, 40, was detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris in August 2024 and charged with multiple infractions, including failing to curb extremist and terrorist content on Telegram. Following his arrest, he was released on bail set at five million euros ($5.6 million) but was restricted from leaving France.
The legal case against Durov has drawn significant attention, given Telegram’s widespread use as a secure messaging platform. Authorities in France have been increasingly scrutinizing social media and messaging services for their role in facilitating illicit activities, including the dissemination of extremist propaganda.
While Durov initially condemned his arrest, he later acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations against him. In January 2025, he told investigating magistrates in France that he understood the gravity of the accusations. Since then, he has made efforts to comply with French authorities’ demands, though specific details of his concessions remain unclear.
Durov, who holds Russian, French, and United Arab Emirates passports, has long been a controversial figure in the tech industry. Known for his staunch advocacy of digital privacy and free speech, he has frequently clashed with governments worldwide over encryption and content moderation policies.
As the investigation continues, it remains uncertain how long Durov will remain outside France and whether his temporary departure signals potential negotiations or legal resolutions. The outcome of his case could have significant implications for Telegram’s operations and its regulatory future in Europe and beyond.
