Telegram CEO Durov back in Dubai as French probe continues

ISTANBUL

Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov on Monday announced that he has returned to Dubai, as French authorities continue a probe into the 40-year-old for allegedly allowing criminal activities on the platform.

“As you may have heard, I’ve returned to Dubai after spending several months in France due to an investigation related to the activity of criminals on Telegram. The process is ongoing, but it feels great to be home,” Durov said on his Telegram account.

The Telegram founder thanked the judges for allowing his return.

Durov, who was born in Russia and is also a French and Emirati national, was arrested in August 2024 after landing his private jet at Le Bourget airport near Paris.

He was later charged with "complicity" in the spread of child abuse images and in drug trafficking but was released on €5 million (about $5.4 million) bail under judicial supervision.

Russia labeled Durov's arrest as “politically motivated,” adding to the controversy surrounding the case.

French authorities lifted travel restrictions on Durov between March 15 and April 7, according to media reports.