Pavel Durov Returns to Dubai as French Probe into Telegram Continues

• Pavel Durov returns to Dubai after French authorities eased travel restrictions in the ongoing criminal investigation.
• Toncoin surges to $3.65 before settling at $3.42, with a 46.86% plunge in 24-hour trading volume.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has returned to Dubai as French authorities continue investigating criminal activity on the messaging platform. Durov announced his return on Monday, stating that while the legal process is ongoing, he is relieved to be home.

Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur with Emirati and French citizenship, was arrested in August 2024 at Le Bourget airport near Paris. French authorities placed him under formal investigation and restricted his travel. He was charged with complicity in crimes such as child abuse content and drug trafficking on Telegram.

Until recently, Durov was required to report to the police twice weekly and had posted €5 million ($5.4 million) in bail. However, a judge relaxed these conditions on March 15, allowing him to leave France temporarily until April 7. Durov has denied the charges, emphasizing Telegram’s compliance with legal obligations. 

France’s Case Against Telegram

French investigators allege that Telegram facilitated criminal activities, including child exploitation, drug sales, and money laundering. They claim the platform failed to share critical data with law enforcement when required.

Since Durov’s arrest, Telegram has intensified its content moderation. In 2025 alone, the company reported blocking over 6.1 million groups and channels, including 160,000 linked to child exploitation and 57,000 related to terrorism.

Russia has labeled Durov’s arrest politically motivated, while French President Emmanuel Macron has defended granting Durov French citizenship in 2021.

Following Durov’s return to Dubai, Toncoin (TON), the Ton network’s native token, has seen a sharp rise in open interest and price. It surged to $3.65 before settling at $3.42, marking a 2.18% daily increase. The token’s market capitalization stands at $8.5 billion, with a 46.86% plunge in 24-hour trading volume to $375.68 million. The total circulating supply of Toncoin is 2.48 billion, with a fully diluted valuation of $17.55 billion. 

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