Pavel Durov Allowed to Leave France Despite Criminal Investigation

Pavel Durov's Travel Restrictions Lifted in France

Pavel Durov, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Telegram messaging application, is no longer required to remain in France. A source confirmed to AFP that the investigating magistrate overseeing Durov’s case has granted approval to alter the terms of his judicial supervision.

Return to Dubai

Durov announced on Monday, via a post on his Telegram channel, that he had returned to Dubai following a period of several months spent in France. This relocation was necessitated by an investigation concerning illicit activities occurring on the Telegram platform. He expressed his relief at being able to return home while acknowledging the ongoing nature of the legal process.

Initial Arrest and Detention

Durov was initially taken into custody on August 24, 2024, upon disembarking from a private aircraft at Le Bourget Airport in France. He was held by police for a duration of four days, an event that garnered significant media attention.

Allegations and Charges

The Paris criminal court, responsible for the investigation, subsequently detailed the basis for Durov’s arrest. The primary accusations center around the Telegram founder’s alleged involvement in facilitating organized fraudulent schemes, unauthorized financial transactions, and the dissemination of CSAM (child sexual abuse material) through the messaging and social media platform.

Initially, Durov was required to post a bail of €5 million (equivalent to $5.5 million at the prevailing exchange rate). He also had to report to a police station twice weekly and was prohibited from leaving French territory during the investigation. However, these stipulations have now been revised, permitting him to travel internationally.

Court's Silence on Changes

The Paris court has not issued a public statement explaining the rationale behind the modifications to Durov’s supervision conditions.

Telegram's Policy Updates

Shortly after his arrest, Telegram implemented changes to its website, specifically within its frequently asked questions (FAQ) section. These updates introduced a mechanism for users to report private conversations to moderators. Prior to the arrest, the FAQ stated that the company did not address requests related to the moderation of chats and group discussions.

Increased Moderation Efforts

Following the alteration of the FAQ, Telegram removed a substantial number of groups and channels. While the platform already had systems in place to block such entities, there was a noticeable increase in moderation activity, as evidenced by the company’s moderation overview page.

Durov's Statement and Gratitude

In a further message posted on his channel, announcing his arrival in Dubai, Durov expressed his gratitude to the investigative judges for allowing his return. He also thanked his legal counsel and team for their persistent efforts in demonstrating Telegram’s commitment to moderation, cooperation, and combating crime, asserting that the platform has consistently met and surpassed its legal obligations in these areas.

Ongoing Investigation and Future Prospects

Despite this development, the investigation remains active, and Durov could still face a criminal trial in France. However, a positive outcome is that he will not be required to file his 2025 taxes in France, as he relocated to Dubai in 2017, in part to benefit from its tax-free environment.