Pavel Durov, the 40-year-old founder of Telegram, has received permission to temporarily exit France despite facing serious criminal charges related to his messaging platform. Sources confirmed to AFP that Durov departed France this morning with official authorization.
An investigating judge approved Durov’s request to modify his supervision conditions several days ago, according to a source familiar with the case. Another source indicated the tech entrepreneur received permission to leave France for “several weeks,” while a third source stated Durov had traveled to Dubai.
When contacted by AFP, a Telegram spokesperson declined immediate comment but indicated the company would issue a statement later.
Durov’s departure represents a significant development in his legal situation. Authorities detained him at Le Bourget airport near Paris in August 2024 in a high-profile arrest. Following days of questioning, officials charged him with multiple counts related to failing to control extremist and terrorist content on Telegram. They released him on a substantial €5 million ($5.6 million) bail with a travel ban.
The tech CEO, who holds citizenship in Russia, France, and the UAE, initially expressed criticism of his arrest. However, he has since taken steps that appear to address French authorities’ demands. In January, a source revealed that Durov told investigating magistrates he “realized the seriousness of all the allegations.”
