Janice R. Andrews
Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has been granted permission to temporarily leave France, where he faces multiple charges related to allegedly enabling organized crime on his messaging platform. The 40-year-old tech billionaire, detained in August 2024 at Le Bourget airport near Paris, was charged with failing to curb extremist and terrorist content on Telegram, which boasts over 900 million active users worldwide.
Durov, who holds Russian, French, and UAE citizenship, was released on a €5 million ($5.6 million) bail but was initially barred from leaving France. However, sources confirmed to AFP that he departed for Dubai on Saturday with judicial approval. “He departed France this morning,” a source revealed, noting that Durov’s exit was authorized by French authorities.
The charges against Durov mark a historic moment, as it is the first time a social media founder has been arrested over content on their platform. Investigators have linked Telegram to numerous criminal activities, including child abuse, drug trafficking, scams, arms sales, and even hitman recruitment. During questioning, Durov reportedly acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, though he initially blamed French authorities for not alerting Telegram to the criminal activities.
Durov’s arrest has sparked a global debate on free speech and platform accountability. While some argue that he should not be held responsible for how users exploit Telegram, others believe his hands-off approach to moderation invited scrutiny. The case has drawn attention from high-profile figures, including Elon Musk, who voiced support for Durov under the hashtag #FreePavel.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who granted Durov French nationality, defended the decision as part of a strategy to attract global talent. However, the Kremlin has warned France against politicizing the case, urging that it not be turned into “political persecution.”
Durov, a self-proclaimed libertarian, has long championed internet privacy and resistance to government oversight. His arrest has reignited discussions about the balance between free speech and the responsibility of tech companies to monitor harmful content.
As Durov settles in Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered, the case continues to unfold. French authorities remain under pressure to address the platform’s alleged role in facilitating crime while navigating the complexities of global tech governance.
For now, Durov’s temporary departure offers a brief reprieve, but the legal and ethical challenges surrounding Telegram’s operations are far from resolved. The outcome of this high-profile case could set a precedent for how tech companies are held accountable in the digital age.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
