Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been granted permission to leave France for the second time since his detention in August 2024, according to a report by French newspaper Le Monde. Durov, who remains under investigation for alleged illicit activities facilitated through the Telegram platform, has been cleared to travel only to Dubai — Telegram’s headquarters — for a strict 14-day period starting July 10.
Durov Previously Traveled in March Under Similar Restrictions
This latest travel allowance mirrors an earlier exception granted in March 2025, when French authorities temporarily permitted Durov to visit Dubai for several weeks. The new decision again limits his destination strictly to Dubai, citing both business obligations and personal family matters.
In a statement to the French newspaper Le Point, Durov explained the personal urgency of the trip:
“I have a son who was just born and I’m missing the first months of his life… I also have a teenage son in a boarding school in Dubai who just broke his arm, and has no parent by his side to support him.“
August 2024 Arrest Tied to Cybercrime Probe
Durov’s detention on August 24, 2024, was part of a broader investigation by France’s National Anti-Fraud Office. Authorities allege that Telegram was used to facilitate money laundering, distribute illegal cryptography services, and share child exploitation materials.
The investigation centers around Telegram’s role as a secure, encrypted platform, which critics argue may provide cover for cybercriminal activities. Durov has not been formally charged, but remains under strict legal restrictions.
TON Blockchain and Toncoin Activity Declines After 2024 Boom
Telegram is closely tied to The Open Network (TON), a Layer 1 blockchain that integrates with the messaging app. Its native cryptocurrency, Toncoin, was trading at $2.93 as of June 19, with a 24-hour trading volume of $128.4 million and a market cap of $7.2 billion.
After peaking in activity during mid-2024 — driven by viral mini apps like Hamster Kombat and Notcoin — the number of active TON addresses has fallen from 1.44 million in October to just 130,000 as of June 17, signaling a drop in user engagement.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.