7 Months Detained, Telegram

CEO Finally Returns Home Says This

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia –Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was detained in France in August 2024. He was charged with involvement in distributing child pornography, illegal drugs, and hacking software on the Telegram short message application.

Less than a week after being arrested, Duvol was released on parole. He was also asked to pay bail of 5 million euros or equivalent to Rp89.7 billion.

However, the entrepreneur who was born and expelled from Russia was prohibited from leaving France after being released. During the 7 months detained in France, Telegram underwent many changes.

Durov previously expressed his commitment to strengthening content moderation methods on Telegram. In fact, Durov previously opposed this on the pretext of fighting censorship and government control.

The latest news is that Durov has now been fully released and can leave France. Quoted from Reuters, Tuesday (3/18/2025), Durov has returned to Dubai, which is his country of domicile after fleeing Russia.

“I spent several months in France for an investigation into criminal activity on Telegram. The process is still ongoing, but it feels good to be back home,” Durov said, as quoted by Reuters.

Durov further expressed his gratitude to the investigative judge who allowed him to return to Dubai. He also thanked the team of lawyers who have tried to show the truth.

“In terms of moderation, cooperation and action against crime over the years, Telegram has not only fulfilled but also exceeded its legal obligations,” Durov said.

SOURCE : CNBC INDONESIA