Telegram’s CEO, Pavel Durov, announced his return to Dubai after spending several months in France amid an ongoing investigation. French authorities continue their probe into alleged criminal activities on the messaging app, Telegram, which they believe has been used for illegal activities such as child exploitation and drug trafficking.
Durov shared his current location in a post on his Telegram channel, expressing relief at being back in Dubai. He was previously detained in Paris last year, where he faced preliminary charges for allegedly allowing criminal operations on the platform. Following his detainment, Durov was restricted from leaving France and had to report to law enforcement twice weekly.
The French investigation accuses Telegram of failing to cooperate by not sharing necessary documents or information that is legally required during the probe. Commenting on his freedom to leave France, Durov expressed gratitude toward the investigative judges for permitting his return to Dubai.
Durov was initially detained at Le Bourget Airport near Paris and questioned for several days as part of an extensive investigation. Despite these legal challenges, he maintains that Telegram has not only adhered to its obligations but has surpassed them when it comes to moderation, collaboration, and combating crime on the platform.
In defense of Telegram, Durov argued last year that the rapid growth in user numbers contributed to certain criminal elements misusing the platform. He emphasized that Telegram is not an ‘anarchic paradise,’ suggesting that the issues faced were growing pains resultant from its expanding user base.
