Telegram founder Pavel Durov has confirmed his return to Dubai after spending months in France, where he faced a legal investigation concerning the messaging platform.
Return to Dubai
In a Telegram update, Pavel Durov expressed relief at being back home, noting that the legal process is still ongoing but "feels great to be home."
Legal Investigation in France
After receiving approval from a French court, Pavel Durov left the country following months of scrutiny over Telegram’s alleged role in facilitating illegal activities. The executive was arrested in Paris on August 24 as part of an investigation into the app’s operations. Addressing the situation, Durov maintained that Telegram had consistently met and even exceeded its legal responsibilities regarding content moderation, cooperation with authorities, and crime prevention. He thanked the investigative judges and his legal team for their efforts.
Financial Stability of Telegram
Telegram’s financial position has significantly improved, with its cryptocurrency holdings rising to $1.3 billion in the first half of 2024, up from $400 million at the end of 2023. This increase was mainly due to profits from selling Toncoins and a deal associated with The Open Network (TON). The growing digital asset reserves have helped provide financial stability for Telegram, especially during its founder’s legal challenges.
Pavel Durov’s return to Dubai and the improvement in Telegram’s financial indicators highlight the company’s resilience in the face of legal challenges and confirm its commitment to fulfilling legal obligations.
