Particle.news
Download on the App Store

France Lifts Travel Ban on Telegram Founder Pavel Durov

The criminal investigation into Telegram’s handling of illegal content remains open.

Overview

  • Courts removed Durov’s prohibition on leaving France and ended his requirement to report to police in Nice, according to judicial sources.
  • Durov was arrested in France in August 2024 and placed under formal investigation on organized crime-related offenses.
  • Prosecutors say Telegram refused to cooperate in efforts to combat illegal content, including child sexual abuse material, and allege complicity in criminal activity on the platform.
  • Judicial controls were eased in July 2025 to allow short stays in the United Arab Emirates, and authorities say he fully complied with supervision over the past year.
  • Durov denies the allegations, challenges the legality of the French proceedings, and has criticized the impact of his arrest on France’s reputation.