Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, has returned to Dubai after spending several months in France under investigation for alleged criminal activities on the messaging platform. Durov, a Russian-born Emirati citizen, is facing charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and the distribution of explicit content involving minors on Telegram. He has denied all allegations.
Durov was arrested in Paris in August 2024 and placed under strict bail conditions, including a €5 million bond and regular reporting to French authorities. However, French officials recently eased these restrictions, allowing him to temporarily leave the country.
In a Telegram post, Durov confirmed his return to Dubai, stating, “I’ve returned to Dubai after spending several months in France due to an investigation related to criminal activity on Telegram. The process is ongoing, but it feels great to be home.” He expressed gratitude for the judicial decision that allowed his departure.
While facing criminal investigation, Durov defended Telegram’s record on content moderation, saying the platform has always met its legal obligations and worked to combat criminal activity. Telegram’s rapid growth has led to challenges in moderating content, which critics argue has made it easier for illegal activities to occur.
Telegram, co-founded by Durov in 2013, continues to be a key tool for communication in Ukraine, particularly for sharing news and military alerts amid the ongoing war with Russia. Despite concerns from Western governments about its moderation practices, Telegram remains one of the most widely used messaging platforms globally.
As the French investigation continues, Durov maintains that Telegram is committed to addressing criminal use of the platform and adhering to legal requirements.