Recent News
Arrest and Indictment: On August 24, 2024, Durov was arrested at Le Bourget Airport in France. The arrest was part of a preliminary investigation by French judicial authorities into allegations that Telegram has been used to facilitate criminal activities, including drug trafficking, fraud, and the distribution of child sexual abuse material. He was indicted on August 28, 2024, on charges of complicity in these crimes and for refusing to cooperate with law enforcement.
Judicial Supervision and Travel Restrictions: Following his indictment, Durov was released on judicial supervision with conditions including a €6 million bail and a ban on leaving France. He is required to report to the police twice a week. In March 2025, an investigating judge granted him permission for a temporary leave from France to return to Dubai, where Telegram's headquarters are located. He has since been permitted to leave France for up to two weeks at a time.
Durov's Response: Durov has publicly defended himself and Telegram, calling the arrest "misguided" and the charges "legally and logically absurd." He maintains that he is not personally responsible for the actions of users on the platform and that Telegram's moderation practices align with industry standards. He has also reaffirmed his commitment to user privacy, stating he would "rather die" than provide authorities with backdoor access to user data.
Profitability and User Growth: In 2024, Durov announced that Telegram had become profitable for the first time, with a total revenue of over $1 billion. He also stated that the app had surpassed 1 billion active users.
Future Plans
Durov's future plans are multifaceted, addressing both his personal legal situation and the continued development of Telegram.
Resolving Legal Issues: A primary focus for Durov is to resolve the ongoing investigation in France. He has expressed hope that the situation will be resolved in the coming months, allowing the travel restrictions to be lifted.
Continued Telegram Development: Despite the legal challenges, Durov remains focused on expanding Telegram's capabilities. He is exploring the integration of Web3 and cryptocurrency services. He also announced a strategic partnership with Elon Musk's xAI, which would involve integrating Grok artificial intelligence into Telegram.
Defending Digital Privacy: Durov continues to be a vocal advocate for internet freedom and user privacy. He has stated that Telegram would rather exit a market than comply with regulations that require backdoors or undermine encryption.
Personal Legacy and Wealth: In a recent interview, Durov revealed his plan to bequeath his entire fortune to his more than 100 biological children, most of whom were conceived through sperm donation. He stated that the wealth will be held in trust for 30 years to ensure they build their own lives independently. He has also made his DNA publicly available for his children to identify one another in the future.
