Telegram’s Pavel Durov Leaves France Amid Legal Battle – TON Surges

Toncoin (TON)

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Telegram founder Pavel Durov, a key figure in the blockchain space through his association with Toncoin (TON), has been granted permission to temporarily leave France despite facing legal charges. Authorities have accused Durov of enabling organized crime through Telegram, a platform known for its strong stance on privacy and free speech.

According to AFP (Agence France-Presse), Durov departed for Dubai on March 16 after an investigating judge modified his supervision conditions. While Telegram has not issued an official statement, sources confirm that he is allowed to stay outside France for “several weeks.”

The Case That Shook the Crypto World

Durov, who holds Russian, French, and UAE passports, was initially detained at Le Bourget Airport near Paris in August 2024. He was released after several hours of questioning but was subjected to strict conditions, including a €5 million ($5.6 million) bail and a travel ban.

Source: X

His release and temporary travel authorization have sent ripples across the crypto community, especially among supporters of The Open Network (TON). Originally envisioned as Telegram’s native blockchain, TON continues to maintain deep ties with the messaging giant.

TON’s Market Reaction

The TON Foundation has welcomed the news, highlighting Telegram’s mission of protecting free speech and privacy. The AKA token community, another decentralized project within the TON ecosystem, also celebrated, calling the development a “victory for freedom.”

Market data suggests that investor confidence in TON has been reignited. Dune Analytics reported a spike in daily TON transactions around March 13, just before the news surfaced. TradingView data shows that TON’s price has surged 18% in the past 24 hours and 13% over the past week. However, despite short-term gains, 96% of TON holders remain at a loss, underscoring the token’s volatility.

Source: TradingView

A Regulatory Tightrope

Durov’s legal troubles stem from allegations that Telegram has failed to curb extremist content. This case highlights the ongoing tensions between privacy-focused platforms and global regulators, raising concerns about Telegram’s regulatory future and its impact on the broader crypto landscape. The implications of Durov’s legal battle will continue to shape the discourse on digital privacy and decentralization.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of Chain Affairs. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. Chain Affairs is not responsible for any financial losses.

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