French authorities confirmed Pavel Durov’s arrest in August 2024 as part of a judicial investigation into alleged criminal activity involving Telegram and alleged failures to respond to lawful requests. On August 28, a judge placed the Telegram founder and CEO under formal investigation and released him under judicial supervision. That status is not a conviction. In 2026, the Associated Press reported that the Paris prosecutor’s office said the investigation remained open.
Why was Pavel Durov arrested in France?
The Paris prosecutor’s office said it opened an investigation on July 8, 2024, against an unnamed person. French authorities confirmed Durov’s arrest on August 26 in connection with that investigation. The prosecutor’s allegations concerned suspected criminal uses of Telegram and alleged noncompliance with requests from authorized authorities. They were allegations, not findings that Durov had committed a crime. The prosecutor’s office announcement set out the investigation and its alleged offenses.
The prosecutor’s list contained 12 alleged offenses. It included suspected complicity relating to illicit transactions; alleged failures to provide information or documents when requested by authorized authorities; and alleged complicity in offenses including distribution of child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking, fraud, and money laundering. The number describes the allegations enumerated by prosecutors, not proven offenses.
Was Durov charged or convicted?
On August 28, 2024, an investigating judge placed Durov under formal investigation. That is a procedural step in the French legal process, not a conviction or a declaration of guilt. Reuters explained that formal investigation does not necessarily lead to a trial. The allegations would have to be assessed through the legal process; the available reporting does not establish a conviction. Reuters’ account of the formal investigation and French procedure explains the distinction.
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What were the terms of his release?
After the judge placed him under formal investigation on August 28, 2024, Durov was released under judicial supervision. Reuters and Le Monde reported that the conditions included a €5 million bond, reporting to police twice a week, and remaining in France. These were the terms reported at that time; they should not be read as confirmation of his current travel or release conditions.
- Bond: €5 million.
- Reporting requirement: Report to police twice a week.
- Travel restriction: Remain in France.
Contemporaneous coverage: Reuters and Le Monde.
What did Macron and Telegram say?
President Emmanuel Macron said Durov’s arrest took place as part of an ongoing judicial investigation and said it was not politically motivated. He also said freedom of expression and communication operate within a legal framework. Those were Macron’s statements, not an independent determination of the investigation’s motive. Reuters reported Macron’s response.
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Telegram said Durov had nothing to hide and argued that it was absurd to hold a platform or its owner responsible for abuse of that platform. That is the company’s position, not a judicial conclusion. Reuters reproduced Telegram’s statement.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the investigation still active?
In a report published in 2026, the Associated Press said the Paris prosecutor’s office told it that Durov remained under formal investigation. AP also reported that he had returned to Dubai in March 2025. This is the latest status reported here, not a live court-docket check or confirmation of any outcome after that report. The Associated Press report provides that update.
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