Paris, March 15, 2025 – The Europe Today: Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of the popular messaging platform Telegram, has been granted permission to temporarily leave France, where he faces multiple charges linked to allegedly enabling organized crime, according to sources close to the matter.
Durov, 40, was detained in August 2024 at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, making headlines as the first social media company founder to be arrested in connection with content on their platform. Telegram, which boasts more than 900 million active users globally, is one of the world’s leading messaging apps.
Following his arrest, Durov faced a series of charges, including failing to prevent extremist and terrorist content on Telegram. After several days of questioning, he was released on a five-million-euro ($5.6 million) bail, but had been prohibited from leaving France.
However, sources confirmed that on Saturday, Durov flew out of France, bound for Dubai, where his company is based. One source stated, “He departed France this morning,” while another confirmed that the departure took place from Le Bourget Airport to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. An investigating judge authorized the temporary leave, allowing Durov to be out of France for “several weeks.”
Durov, who holds Russian, French, and UAE passports, is known for being a reclusive figure, rarely speaking publicly. The multi-billionaire tech entrepreneur is also recognized for his preference for an ascetic lifestyle.
A spokesperson for Telegram declined to comment when approached by AFP. Similarly, Durov’s legal team was unavailable for immediate comment.
The decision to permit Durov’s departure came after a request to modify the conditions of his supervision, which was accepted by the investigating judge, according to one source.
