Pavel Durov Returns to Dubai: Telegram Founder Claims Company ‘Exceeded’ Legal Obligations

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has returned to Dubai after months of being in France, expressing gratitude toward French judges and his legal team for their efforts in resolving the situation. Durov’s return follows a period of legal scrutiny tied to a criminal investigation involving Telegram, with accusations that the platform allowed illegal activities to flourish.

In a post shared on March 17 through Telegram, Durov confirmed that he had been granted approval to leave France and was now back in Dubai, his home base. “It feels great to be home,” he wrote, emphasizing that the legal process was still ongoing but expressing relief at his return. His post came after reports surfaced on March 15 that Durov had received permission from a French court to leave the country.

The Investigation and Durov’s Arrest

Durov’s legal troubles began in August 2024 when he was arrested in Paris as part of a criminal investigation into Telegram. The charges against him were related to claims that Telegram had become a platform for illegal activities. Despite the serious nature of the investigation, Durov maintained that Telegram had always complied with its legal responsibilities, particularly in areas like content moderation and cooperation with authorities.

Telegram’s Legal Commitment

In his update, Durov took the opportunity to highlight that Telegram had not only met but had “exceeded” its legal obligations when it came to moderation and combating illegal activities. “I want to thank the investigative judges for letting this happen, as well as my lawyers and team for their relentless efforts in demonstrating that, when it comes to moderation, cooperation, and fighting crime, for years, Telegram not only met but exceeded its legal obligations,” Durov wrote.

The Telegram founder also expressed deep gratitude to the platform’s global community, saying, “There is nothing our billion-strong community can’t overcome,” and thanked his supporters for their unwavering backing throughout the ordeal.

Toncoin Surges Following Durov’s Release

Durov’s return to Dubai coincided with a notable rally for Toncoin (TON), the native cryptocurrency of The Open Network (TON), a blockchain project closely associated with Telegram. On March 15, Toncoin saw a significant price surge, jumping from $2.93 to $3.46. The price continued to rise, reaching a seven-day high of $3.59 by March 17. As of now, Toncoin is trading at $3.41, according to CoinGecko.

The release of Durov sparked celebrations among supporters of the TON blockchain, particularly the TON Society, a grassroots movement that has backed the Telegram founder since his arrest. The group praised Durov’s commitment to freedom of speech and transparency, values central to both Telegram and the TON blockchain. Previously, the TON Society had also written an open letter to French authorities urging them to release Durov.

Looking Ahead

While the legal investigation into Telegram continues, Pavel Durov’s return to Dubai marks a significant moment in the ongoing saga. As Telegram remains one of the most popular messaging platforms globally, Durov’s commitment to transparency and his company’s legal compliance continue to be central points of discussion. Additionally, the rally in Toncoin’s price highlights the strong connection between Telegram and the TON blockchain, with Durov’s legal victory fueling optimism within the cryptocurrency community. 

It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold, but for now, Durov’s return to Dubai signals a potential new chapter for both the Telegram platform and the broader TON ecosystem.