France lifts travel ban on Telegram CEO Pavel Durov

French authorities have officially lifted all travel restrictions on Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov, who has been under investigation over allegations that his platform enabled criminal activity.

According to a person familiar with the case, the decision, dated November 10, fully revokes the billionaire’s travel ban and ends his requirement to report to a local police station. The individual requested anonymity as the investigation remains confidential.

Durov, who was detained for four days last August after landing in Paris on a private jet, was charged with being “complicit in allowing crimes to be committed” through Telegram. The arrest drew global attention, sparking debate about the balance between platform responsibility and user privacy.

Following his detention, Durov was ordered to remain in France, pay 5 million euros (USD 5.8 million) in bail, and report to authorities twice weekly. In June, those restrictions were partially relaxed to allow limited travel to Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered.

The latest ruling now grants Durov complete freedom of movement, though the investigation itself continues. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that Telegram operates within the law and does not facilitate criminal behavior.

Durov’s legal team, Christophe Ingrain, David-Olivier Kaminski, and Robin Binsard, has not issued an immediate statement, and a spokesperson for Durov declined to comment.

The case remains ongoing as French prosecutors continue to assess Telegram’s role in potential misuse by its users.