Telegram’s founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, has been allowed to return to Dubai with the permission of a French investigative judge. Durov has been under investigation in France for criminal charges related to organized crime, and the investigation continues despite his departure.
Durov left for Dubai from Le Bourget Airport near Paris on March 15. On the 17th, he announced on his Telegram channel, “After spending several months in France, I’ve returned to Dubai,” and added, “The investigation is still ongoing, but I’m glad to be home.”
French authorities suspect Telegram of promoting organized crime, and are investigating Durov for serious charges, including fraud, illegal transactions, and aiding the distribution of child abuse materials. The police are tracking more than 12 cases related to drug trafficking, arms sales, and contract killings. Durov initially criticized the French authorities for insufficient warnings during an interrogation last December, but later acknowledged the seriousness of the charges.
As the investigation continues, Telegram has implemented policy reforms to address the issue of illegal content on its platform. It has introduced an AI-powered detection system to more swiftly block illegal content, simplified its reporting procedures, and strengthened cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Additionally, it plans to introduce an age verification system to protect minors and will regularly publish transparency reports detailing law enforcement requests and content management actions.
Although Durov has been granted temporary leave, the possibility of a future criminal trial remains, drawing attention to Telegram’s response and further actions by French authorities.