Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been granted permission to temporarily leave France, where he faces multiple charges linked to the alleged facilitation of organised crime, sources told AFP.
A source familiar with the case confirmed that Durov left the country on Saturday morning with official approval. Another source stated that an investigating judge had authorised his departure for several weeks, while a third indicated that his destination was Dubai.
A spokeswoman for Telegram declined to comment but noted that the company would release a statement in due course.
Durov, 40, was initially detained in August 2024 at Le Bourget airport near Paris and subsequently charged with multiple violations, including failing to curb extremist and terrorist content on Telegram. After extensive questioning, he was released on bail of five million euros ($5.6 million) but was barred from leaving France.
However, a source close to the case revealed that an investigating judge approved modifications to Durov’s supervision conditions several days ago, allowing him to travel.
While the Russian-born entrepreneur, who also holds French and UAE citizenships, had initially criticised his detention, he later appeared to comply with France’s regulatory demands. In January, he reportedly acknowledged to magistrates the seriousness of the allegations against him.
