Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has been temporarily allowed to leave France and has apparently taken the opportunity to do exactly that.
He has to come back soon, though, since he faces serious charges in France: they're related to allegedly enabling organized crime through his messaging platform. According to multiple sources familiar with the case, an investigating judge approved his request to leave for a period of "several weeks".
Durov, who is one of the most influential figures in the tech world, reportedly departed from Le Bourget airport near Paris, heading to Dubai, where Telegram’s headquarters is located.
As you may have heard, I've returned to Dubai after spending several months in France due to an investigation related to the activity of criminals on Telegram. The process is ongoing, but it feels great to be home. I want to thank the investigative judges for letting this happen, as well as my lawyers and team for their relentless efforts in demonstrating that, when it comes to moderation, cooperation, and fighting crime, for years Telegram not only met but exceeded its legal obligations. I'm also deeply grateful for the millions of people around the world who have shown their support throughout this unexpected journey – it has meant a lot. There is nothing our billion-strong community can't overcome.
The 40-year-old billionaire was detained at Le Bourget airport in August 2024, marking an unprecedented event where a social media company founder was arrested due to content on their platform. Telegram, which boasts over 900 million active users worldwide, is one of the most popular messaging apps globally.
After his arrest, Durov was charged with several violations, including failing to prevent extremist and terrorist content on Telegram, and was released on bail set at €5 million ($5.6 million). He had initially been prohibited from leaving the country.
Image credit – PhoneArena
In the wake of his arrest, Durov, who holds Russian, French, and UAE passports, initially criticized the French authorities for failing to inform Telegram about the alleged illegal activities. Later, he caved in.
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Sebastian, a veteran of a tech writer with over 15 years of experience in media and marketing, blends his lifelong fascination with writing and technology to provide valuable insights into the realm of mobile devices. Embracing the evolution from PCs to smartphones, he harbors a special appreciation for the Google Pixel line due to their superior camera capabilities. Known for his engaging storytelling style, sprinkled with rich literary and film references, Sebastian critically explores the impact of technology on society, while also perpetually seeking out the next great tech deal, making him a distinct and relatable voice in the tech world.
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