Pavel Durov, the founder of the messaging app Telegram, has reportedly left France for Dubai, where the company is headquartered. Durov, 40, was temporarily allowed to depart France, where he faced charges related to alleged involvement in organized crime activities linked to his popular messaging platform. Initially detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris in August 2024, he was charged with multiple violations stemming from content on his app, making him the first social media founder to face such legal scrutiny. After being granted bail of £4.2 million and restricted from leaving the country, a judge recently lifted the travel ban, permitting Durov to travel to Dubai for several weeks. With Russian, French, and United Arab Emirates passports, Durov is known for his reclusive nature and ascetic lifestyle despite being a multi-billionaire. While a spokesperson for Telegram declined to comment, Durov’s lawyers were not available for immediate statements. In the face of mounting allegations during his interrogation, Durov acknowledged the seriousness of the accusations brought against him. His case has drawn international attention, with figures like Elon Musk voicing support for him under the hashtag #FreePavel. French President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to grant Durov French nationality has also come under scrutiny, with the Kremlin cautioning against turning the legal proceedings into political persecution. Durov, known for his unconventional lifestyle choices like ice baths and abstinence from alcohol and coffee, is estimated to have a fortune of $15.5 billion by Forbes magazine. His arrest has sparked debates on internet freedom and whether platform owners are accountable for illicit activities carried out by users.
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