- Pavel Durov can leave France for 14 days, limited to Dubai, starting July 10, 2025.
- Durov remains under investigation for 17 offenses, including money laundering and fraud.
- French court requires Durov to report biweekly and inform the magistrate before leaving for Dubai.
The Paris Court of Appeal has partially lifted travel restrictions on Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, after nearly ten months under strict judicial supervision. Durov, who has faced charges in France since August 2024, may now travel to Dubai for up to 14 days, though his legal situation remains unresolved.
Court Eases Travel Ban for Telegram Founder
The Paris Court of Appeal ruled on June 19 that Pavel Durov could leave France for up to two weeks at a time, with his destination limited to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Durov must inform the examining magistrate of his plans before departure and continue to meet other legal obligations, including a €5 million bail and regular reporting to French authorities. The new order takes effect from July 10, 2025.
Durov’s family lives in Dubai, and the headquarters of Telegram is also located there. The court recognized his need to manage family matters and attend to business operations. Durov’s lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, described the previous restrictions as unnecessary, noting that the prosecution’s allegations remain unproven. The court requires Durov to report in Paris every two weeks and obtain judicial approval for travel to any location outside Dubai.
Allegations of Complicity
French prosecutors have brought several charges against Pavel Durov, including complicity in drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized fraud, among others. Authorities claim that Durov must be responsible for illegal activities that occur on Telegram, one of the most popular encrypted messaging apps around the world.
Durov rejected all allegations and claimed the accusations are unfounded. He says, “Nothing has ever been proven showing that I am, even for a second, guilty of anything.” Durov further claimed that Telegram’s staff had to guide French police through international procedures. He emphasized that criminals using the app should not implicate its managers.
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Personal Impact and Ongoing Investigation
Pavel Durov highlighted the impact of the investigation on his family life. He notes that he has missed significant time with his children and aging parents because of travel restrictions. Despite the relaxation, he remains under investigation for seventeen offenses, and the court continues to accuse him of inadequate cooperation and content moderation. Durov’s lawyers have filed appeals seeking to annul the indictment or change his legal status.
