Pavel Durov allowed to leave France after facing legal issues

From Cointelegraph

March 15, 2025 10:05 AM:

Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, relocated to Dubai after receiving approval from a French court on March 13. The move sparked discussions on jurisdiction and tech leaders’ responsibilities. Durov faced legal issues in France for allegedly enabling illegal activities on his platform, leading to his arrest in August 2024. The crypto market reacted positively to his departure, with Toncoin surging over 18%.

Reports suggest Durov either settled his case in France or received permission to leave while the court case continues. His departure has not been confirmed on social media, and French officials have not issued a statement. Durov’s arrest in August 2024 prompted charges for facilitating illicit transactions, potentially leading to 10 years in prison and a hefty fine.

Durov’s release on bail in August 2024 required him to stay in France until the investigation was complete. The Russian government offered assistance due to his citizenship complexities. His departure from France aligns with recent releases of Russian programmers worldwide, including Alexander Vinnik, who returned to Russia as part of a US-Russia prisoner swap.

Read more at Cointelegraph: Telegram founder Pavel Durov given permission to leave France