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French Court Lifts Travel Ban on Telegram Founder Pavel Durov

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

Overview

  • Judicial authorities removed all travel restrictions on Pavel Durov and ended his requirement to report to police in Nice.
  • Durov was arrested in August 2024 and charged with organized-crime offenses tied to illegal content on Telegram, including child sexual-abuse material.
  • His supervision had been progressively eased, including limited trips to the United Arab Emirates, before being fully lifted this week.
  • Defense lawyers are contesting the probe’s legality, seeking a status change to assisted witness and a preliminary ruling from the EU’s top court.
  • Durov denies wrongdoing but previously acknowledged a growing criminal presence on Telegram and pledged to strengthen content oversight.