Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Granted Exit from France Amid Ongoing Criminal Investigation
Pavel Durov, the visionary founder and CEO of the popular messaging app Telegram, has recently been granted the freedom to leave France following adjustments to the conditions surrounding his ongoing investigation. This change marks a significant moment in Durov’s legal journey, as he can now return to Dubai, where he has been living since 2017.
Background of Pavel Durov’s Legal Troubles
Durov’s legal challenges began on August 24, 2024, when he was arrested at Le Bourget Airport in France. Following his arrest, he spent four days in police custody, garnering extensive media attention.
Reasons Behind the Arrest
The Paris criminal court, which is overseeing the investigation, cited several reasons for Durov’s arrest. The primary allegations include:
- Facilitating organized fraud
- Engaging in illegal transactions
- Allowing the sharing of CSAM (child sexual abuse material) on the platform
To secure his release, Durov agreed to a bail of €5 million (approximately $5.5 million) and was required to report to a police station twice weekly, along with restrictions on leaving France.
Recent Developments in Durov’s Case
As reported by AFP, the investigating judge has now modified these conditions, allowing Durov to leave France legally. However, the Paris court has not publicly detailed the reasons behind this decision.
Changes to Telegram’s Policies
In response to the scrutiny surrounding the platform, Telegram has made significant updates to its policies. Shortly after Durov’s arrest, the company enhanced its moderation capabilities by:
- Enabling users to report private chats to moderators
- Removing millions of groups and channels that violated its policies
Durov expressed his gratitude on his Telegram channel, stating: “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 Telegram has exceeded its legal obligations in terms of moderation and crime prevention.”
Future Implications for Pavel Durov
Although Durov’s situation has improved, the investigation is still active, and there remains a possibility of a criminal trial in France. Nevertheless, the fact that Durov can now reside in Dubai means he will not have to file taxes in France for the year 2025, allowing him to focus on his work with Telegram.
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