Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has been granted permission to leave France for the first time since his indictment last year, as an ongoing court case with French authorities continues.
The Russian-born tech entrepreneur has reportedly traveled to Dubai after a French court approved his temporary departure on March 15.
Durov’s legal troubles began in August 2024 when he was arrested at Le Bourget Airport near Paris.
French authorities charged him with failing to implement adequate controls on Telegram, citing concerns over the platform’s role in hosting illegal activities, including terrorism-related content and child exploitation materials.
The case ignited a global debate on free speech, online safety, and the accountability of social media platforms for user-generated content.
Following his arrest, Durov was released on a €5 million ($5.6 million) bail but was barred from leaving France as legal proceedings continued.
While it remains unclear whether his legal status has changed, an anonymous source close to the matter told AFP that Durov is permitted to spend several weeks outside the country.
Crypto Community Celebrates Durov’s Departure
Durov’s temporary release has been widely welcomed by the digital and tech communities, particularly supporters of blockchain technology and decentralized networks.
Telegram has long been intertwined with the crypto space, especially through The Open Network (TON) blockchain, which the company initially developed in 2018.
Although Telegram distanced itself from TON following regulatory scrutiny from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the platform continues to integrate the network for payments and decentralized applications.
The TON Foundation, an independent group overseeing the blockchain’s development, issued a statement praising Durov’s release.
“This news marks a significant moment of resolution. With nearly a billion users worldwide, Telegram represents a global movement committed to the freedom of communication and the inalienable right to privacy. As part of the decentralized TON community, we have stood in solidarity with Pavel, supporting his unwavering dedication to defending the right to free speech and privacy online,” the statement read.
The foundation also expressed gratitude to supporters who advocated for Durov’s freedom, including members of the broader tech and free speech communities.
Market Reaction: Toncoin Surges
Following reports of Durov’s departure from France, the cryptocurrency linked to TON, Toncoin (TON), saw a sharp rise in value. The token surged by 20%, reaching a high of $3.47 before stabilizing at $3.46.
Market analysts attribute the surge to renewed confidence in Telegram’s leadership and its ongoing commitment to blockchain adoption. The platform has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for Web3 applications, with Toncoin playing a key role in its ecosystem.
What’s Next for Durov?
While Durov’s ability to travel signals a shift in his legal situation, questions remain about the long-term resolution of his case. French prosecutors have yet to confirm whether charges against him have been dropped or if further legal action will follow.
For now, the Telegram founder is expected to remain in Dubai, where he has previously maintained business operations and a residence.
As the case unfolds, the tech industry will be closely watching to see how authorities balance regulatory concerns with digital freedoms in an era of increasing scrutiny over online platforms.
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