Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov has returned to Dubai amid an ongoing investigation by French authorities into alleged criminal activity taking place on the popular messaging platform, according to multiple media reports.
Durov, who holds multiple citizenships and has long been based in Dubai, has largely remained out of public view as scrutiny around Telegram intensifies in Europe. French investigators are reportedly examining the app’s role in facilitating illegal activities, including organized crime, fraud, drug trafficking, and the distribution of extremist content. Telegram, known for its strong privacy protections and limited content moderation compared to rival platforms, has frequently been cited in law enforcement reports as a tool used by criminal networks.
French authorities have not publicly accused Durov personally of wrongdoing. However, the investigation is said to focus on whether Telegram has failed to adequately cooperate with law enforcement requests and whether its technical design enables criminal misuse at scale. The probe reflects broader concerns across the European Union about encrypted messaging services and their impact on public safety.
Telegram has repeatedly defended its practices, stating that it complies with applicable laws and removes illegal content when it is identified. The company has also emphasized that end-to-end encryption applies only to “secret chats,” while most communications on the platform are cloud-based and can be moderated. In past statements, Durov has argued that weakening encryption or expanding surveillance would harm user privacy and free expression.
Dubai has served as Telegram’s operational base for several years, offering a relatively friendly regulatory environment for tech companies and entrepreneurs. Durov relocated there after leaving Russia, where he previously founded the social network VKontakte. His return to Dubai signals business as usual for Telegram, even as legal pressure mounts in Europe.
The French investigation comes amid a wider push by EU governments to tighten regulations on digital platforms, particularly those accused of enabling criminal activity or misinformation. New and proposed laws, including the Digital Services Act, aim to hold tech companies more accountable for content shared on their services.
As the probe continues, it remains unclear whether French authorities will seek further cooperation from Telegram’s leadership or pursue formal charges related to the platform’s operations. For now, Telegram continues to grow, boasting hundreds of millions of users worldwide, while debates over privacy, security, and platform responsibility show no sign of slowing.
More24News will continue to monitor developments in this story.
