Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of Telegram, has returned to Dubai after French authorities allowed him to leave the country. Durov remains under investigation for alleged criminal activity linked to illegal content on his messaging platform.
Legal Troubles in France
The 40-year-old tech entrepreneur was arrested at Le Bourget airport near Paris in August 2023. He was charged with failing to prevent illegal content, including child abuse material and other extreme content, from spreading on Telegram. Although released on bail, Durov was initially prohibited from leaving France and had to report to the police twice a week. However, his bail conditions were temporarily relaxed from March 15 to April 7, allowing him to travel.
Durov confirmed his return to Dubai through Telegram, thanking investigators for their decision and highlighting the platform’s continuous efforts to improve content moderation and combat criminal activities. Reports indicate that a judge authorized his departure for several weeks.
Political and Public Reactions
Durov holds Russian, French, and UAE citizenships. His arrest marked the first instance of a major social media executive facing detention over platform content. Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized France’s actions, calling them selective, while French President Emmanuel Macron defended his decision to grant Durov French citizenship in 2021, citing Durov’s global influence and contributions.
Elon Musk expressed public support for Durov by posting the hashtag #FreePavel on X, while the Kremlin warned France against what it described as political persecution.
Telegram’s Response and Future Actions
Since Durov’s arrest, Telegram has increased its moderation efforts. The platform reportedly blocked over 6.1 million groups and channels in 2025 alone, including 160,000 linked to child abuse content and 57,000 related to terrorism.
During questioning, Durov initially blamed French authorities for failing to notify Telegram about illegal activity. However, he later acknowledged the seriousness of the allegations, especially after investigators presented evidence involving child exploitation, drug trafficking, arms sales, and contract killings.
Ongoing Legal Battle
Although Durov is free to travel for now, the legal case remains unresolved. His situation raises questions about the accountability of tech executives for the content shared on their platforms. The outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how digital platforms handle harmful or illegal content in the future.