French authorities have fully lifted the travel restrictions previously imposed on Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of the messaging platform Telegram, following an ongoing investigation into alleged criminal activity facilitated through his app.
Durov, who was detained at a Paris airport in August 2023, had been placed under a €5 million (approximately $5.8 million) bail and was barred from leaving France while required to regularly report to local police authorities. In June 2024, these restrictions were partially eased, allowing him limited travel to Dubai.
The latest development, dated November 10, removes the travel ban entirely and cancels the reporting requirement, according to an informed source who requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the investigation.
Authorities in France have been examining whether Durov knowingly allowed criminal activity to take place via Telegram. The CEO has consistently denied all allegations.
Durov’s initial detention made international headlines when French police arrested him upon his arrival on a private jet.
He was held for four days for questioning. His legal team, including lawyers Christophe Ingrain, David Olivier Kaminsky, and Robin Bensar, have maintained his innocence and declined immediate public comment on the latest developments. Prosecutors in Paris also did not respond to requests for comment.
The lifting of restrictions allows Durov to resume international travel freely, signaling a possible de-escalation in France’s measures while investigations continue.
This marks the latest chapter in a high-profile case that has drawn global attention, reflecting the growing scrutiny on messaging platforms and their role in regulating user activity.
Follow the latest news on Google News
