Telegram founder Pavel Durov has returned to Dubai after spending several months in France under investigation for alleged illegal activities on the platform.
Pavel Durov's Return to Dubai
Durov was detained in August 2024 upon arrival at Le Bourget Airport near Paris and subsequently placed under formal investigation. French authorities accused Telegram of facilitating illicit activities, including drug trafficking and the distribution of child sexual abuse materials. He was released after paying a €5 million bail but remained under legal scrutiny. Durov emphasized that Telegram has exceeded its legal obligations in content moderation and cooperation with authorities. "It feels great to be home," he stated upon his return to Dubai.
Defending Telegram's Moderation Policies
Durov criticized French authorities for poor communication despite having access to his legal representatives. He insisted that Telegram was never intended as a tool for criminal activity, highlighting the platform's removal of approximately 20 million accounts and one million groups each month for policy violations. TON, the native token of The Open Network and the infrastructure for Telegram's Mini App ecosystem, is currently showing impressive growth and trading above $3.4.
International Response and Current State of Telegram
Durov's arrest sparked international reactions. The TON Society, a blockchain organization affiliated with Telegram, called on global institutions to intervene. Free speech advocates warned that targeting a platform’s CEO for user activity could set a dangerous precedent for privacy-focused technologies. Telegram, founded by Durov and his brother in response to crackdowns on pro-democracy protests in Russia, remains a widely used communication tool, particularly in Ukraine. Despite the legal challenges, Telegram continues to evolve.
Pavel Durov's return to Dubai follows a French investigation, with Telegram's moderation policies defended. The platform continues to grow amid international reactions and calls to support its founder.
