Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Allowed to Leave France
According to a report by Barron’s, Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has flown to Dubai from France with permission from a French court.
Durov’s Legal Issues Started Last Year
Last year, Durov was arrested by French authorities and faced charges of complicity in child exploitation, drug trafficking, and other organized criminal activities. The authorities claimed that Telegram, through its lack of content moderation, facilitated illicit activities.
Modification of Bail Conditions
After posting a €5 million bail, Durov was released from police custody and placed under judicial supervision. Recently, the investigating judge allowed him to modify the conditions of his bail, permitting him to leave France for several weeks.
Concerns About Privacy and Jurisdiction
Durov’s departure to Dubai has raised concerns about jurisdiction and privacy, as the city is known for its lack of extradition agreements with several countries. Durov holds citizenship in France, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Russian Programmers in the News
If confirmed, Durov’s departure would make him the second Russian programmer to be released recently. Alexander Vinnik was also released as part of a prisoner exchange program between the US and Russia.
Positive Reaction from the Crypto Market
The news of Durov’s travel to Dubai has resulted in a 20% increase in the price of The Open Network (TON) over the past 24 hours. The TON Foundation has welcomed the news, describing it as a significant moment of resolution.
