The French prosecution has rejected a request from Telegram founder Pavel Durov to temporarily lift travel restrictions, which would have allowed him to travel to the United States for “negotiations with investment funds,” according to Politico.
The Paris prosecutor’s office stated that the trip “did not appear imperative or justified,” a decision made on May 12, 2025, as reported by the outlet.
Durov, who has been under judicial supervision since his arrest in August 2024 at Paris’ Le Bourget Airport, faces charges related to his alleged failure to cooperate with authorities in combating illegal content on Telegram.
The charges stem from a broader investigation into the platform’s role in facilitating crimes such as child exploitation material distribution and drug trafficking.
Under the current restrictions, Durov is barred from leaving France without special permission, a condition that was temporarily eased earlier in 2025 when he was allowed to travel to Dubai from March 15 to April 7.
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The Russian-born entrepreneur, who also holds citizenship in France and the United Arab Emirates, recently made headlines with claims that Nicolas Lerner, head of France’s foreign intelligence agency (DGSE), had pressured him to block right-wing Romanian channels on Telegram ahead of the country’s presidential elections.
Durov stated he refused the request, emphasizing his commitment to free speech.
The DGSE, however, denied these allegations, calling them baseless and asserting that no such requests were made regarding electoral processes.
Durov’s arrest and ongoing legal battles have sparked debates over online free speech and the responsibilities of tech platform leaders.
Critics argue that the charges against him may be an attempt to force compliance with government demands, while supporters of the French authorities point to Telegram’s history of limited cooperation in addressing illegal activities on the platform.
As Durov remains under judicial oversight, the case continues to highlight tensions between privacy, free expression, and law enforcement in the digital age.
