Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Travel Ban Lifted in France
Background on Investigation and Travel Ban
French authorities have reportedly lifted the travel ban on Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, allowing him to leave France while an investigation into the messaging platform continues. Bloomberg reported on Thursday that Durov had originally been ordered to stay in France after his arrest in Paris in August of last year. The detention was related to multiple charges concerning his operation of Telegram, specifically allegations that the platform facilitated illicit transactions.
Legal Proceedings and Restrictions Eased
The recent decision, which Bloomberg says dates to Monday and cites a person familiar with the matter, not only removes Durov’s travel restrictions but also cancels the requirement to regularly report to a local police station. Durov had previously been granted temporary exemptions to leave France, but this marks the full lifting of restrictions. According to the French Prosecutor’s Office, Durov faces preliminary charges that could lead to a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine of $550,000 for allegedly enabling illicit activity on Telegram. Despite this, Durov and Telegram have publicly denied any illegal operation, maintaining that the platform complies with European Union regulations and industry norms.
Ongoing Case and Public Statements
While Durov’s travel ban has been lifted, reports indicate that the investigation in France is still active and details remain confidential. Telegram’s CEO has been vocal about his views on European regulations and French policies. In a June interview with Le Point, Durov expressed disappointment with French President Emmanuel Macron’s governance, stating, “Emmanuel Macron isn’t making the right choices. I’m very disappointed. France is getting weaker and weaker,” as quoted by Le Point. Durov has also criticized the European Union’s proposed Chat Control policy and other European governments’ approaches to digital privacy. On October 9, he posted on X, formerly Twitter, warning against what he described as the criminalization of tech leaders defending privacy in different EU countries.
What’s Next for Telegram and Durov
With the travel ban lifted, Pavel Durov now has greater freedom of movement as the legal proceedings in France continue. The outcome of the investigation could have significant consequences for Telegram’s operations in Europe and for broader discussions on digital privacy and regulation in the EU.
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Sources
Reporting via Cointelegraph.
Additional details from Bloomberg.
