Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder and CEO of Telegram, has been granted permission by French authorities to temporarily leave France amid an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal activities facilitated through the messaging app. Durov departed for Dubai on Saturday morning after receiving approval from an investigating judge for a several-week absence.
Durov’s legal troubles began in August 2024 when he was arrested near Paris and placed under formal investigation. French prosecutors suspect his involvement in enabling illegal activities on Telegram, including drug trafficking and money laundering. While he has not been charged, his status under French law indicates that authorities believe there is sufficient evidence to justify a probe. As part of his bail conditions, Durov posted a €5 million bail and was initially prohibited from leaving France.
The investigation has strained diplomatic relations between France and Russia, especially amid broader geopolitical tensions. It has also reignited debates over the responsibilities of internet platforms in monitoring and preventing illegal activities. French authorities have criticized Telegram for allegedly failing to cooperate with legal investigations, particularly regarding criminal activity on the platform.
In response, Durov has defended Telegram’s commitment to security and regulatory compliance. He has argued that platform executives should not be held personally accountable for user actions and emphasized ongoing efforts to enhance Telegram’s security measures.
This development comes at a critical time for Telegram, which has over 900 million users worldwide. The platform has faced scrutiny for allegedly allowing criminal and extremist groups to operate with minimal oversight. Durov’s legal challenges could have significant implications for Telegram’s future, including its plans for an initial public offering (IPO).
As the investigation continues, Durov’s temporary departure from France highlights the broader challenges of regulating digital platforms while balancing privacy concerns and law enforcement objectives.
