- Durov can temporarily leave France after judicial approval.
- TON ecosystem sees rising user engagement amid legal developments.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov, the driving force behind Telegram and its blockchain partner Toncoin [TON], has received authorization to temporarily leave France.
He is facing legal charges linked to allegations of enabling organized crime.
Sources told AFP (Agence France-Presse) that Pavel Durov left for Dubai on 16th of March after an investigating judge modified his supervision conditions.
He is now allowed to stay outside France for “several weeks,” though Telegram has not issued an official statement.
Durov, who holds Russian, French, and UAE passports, was detained at Le Bourget Airport near Paris in August 2024.
After hours of questioning, he was released on a €5 million ($5.6 million) bail under strict conditions that barred him from leaving the country.
“This is bigger than Durov”
Durov’s release has been widely discussed within the crypto and blockchain communities, particularly among supporters of The Open Network (TON).
Source: X
Telegram has a deep connection with TON, which was originally envisioned as a blockchain platform integrated with the messaging app.
The TON Foundation, which supports the Telegram Open Network (TON), welcomed the news, stating,
“With nearly a billion users worldwide, Telegram represents a global movement committed to the freedom of communication and the inalienable right to privacy. We have stood in solidarity with Pavel, supporting his unwavering dedication to defending the right to free speech and privacy online.”
Similarly, the AKA token community, another project within the decentralized TON ecosystem, celebrated the development, calling it a “victory for freedom.”
The news of Durov’s ability to travel outside France has triggered noticeable market movements in TON-related assets.
TON’s legal battle that moves markets
Dune Analytics data shows a sharp rise in daily TON transactions, with a major spike on 13th of March—just before the announcement.
Source: Dune Analytics
On-chain and off-chain transactions surged, indicating heightened investor interest. Moreover, a rise in new unique users suggests growing adoption, likely influenced by renewed confidence in TON’s ecosystem.
Data from TradingView shows that TON’s price has increased by 18% in the past 24 hours and over 13% in the last seven days.
Source: TradingView
TON took a major hit after Pavel Durov’s arrest in France on 24th of August. The price plunged over 35%, dropping from $6.88 to $4.44 by September.
Numbers don’t lie
Despite the excitement surrounding Durov’s departure, Toncoin (TON) investors continue to face challenges.
Recent reports indicate that 96% of TON holders were at a loss at press time, as the token has struggled to maintain momentum.
TON has seen short-term price surges fueled by speculation. However, its long-term stability depends on wider adoption and real-world use within the Telegram ecosystem.
The bigger picture
Telegram CEO’s legal troubles stem from accusations that Telegram has failed to curb extremist and terrorist content on its platform.
Durov’s case underlines ongoing tensions between regulators and privacy-focused platforms. Governments have pressured Telegram and similar services to enhance content moderation.
His departure raises questions about Telegram’s regulatory future, with no confirmation on his return or official statements from France.
The case’s impact on Telegram’s operations, user trust, and the crypto ecosystem remains under scrutiny.
