Telegram founder Pavel Durov has reportedly left France for Dubai after receiving approval from a French court. According to a Barron’s report citing unnamed sources, Durov was granted permission to travel on March 13. The details of the court’s decision remain unclear, but the move has sparked debates over jurisdiction, privacy, and tech leaders’ responsibilities in combating illegal activities on their platforms.
The French news agency AFP, also citing anonymous sources, confirmed that Durov left France with the authorities’ approval. One source stated that he had been allowed to leave the country for “several weeks.”
Durov’s Legal Battle in France
Durov’s legal troubles began in August 2024 when he was temporarily detained at Le Bourget Airport in Paris. French prosecutors accused him of running a platform that allegedly facilitates illegal activities, announcing preliminary charges against him on August 28, 2024.
The charges carried severe consequences, with prosecutors claiming Durov faced up to 10 years in prison and a fine of €500,000 ($550,000). He was released after posting a $6 million bail, but French authorities initially barred him from leaving the country pending further investigation.
Crypto Market Reacts as Toncoin Surges
News of Durov’s departure had an immediate impact on the cryptocurrency market. Toncoin (TON), the native token of The Open Network (TON), surged over 18% following reports of his relocation, according to data from Cointelegraph Markets Pro and TradingView.
The sharp price movement suggests that investors see Durov’s legal clearance—or at least his ability to travel—as a positive development for the Telegram-affiliated blockchain ecosystem.
Uncertain Future for Durov and Telegram
Neither Durov nor French government officials have publicly confirmed his departure. It remains unclear whether he has fully settled his legal case in France or if he was granted permission to leave while the proceedings continue.
Durov, who holds Russian, French, and UAE citizenships, has long positioned Dubai as a safe haven for his business operations, given its business-friendly environment and lack of extradition agreements with many nations.
