Key Takeaways
- Pavel Durov’s travel restrictions in France have been lifted, but formal investigation continues.
- Telegram remains compliant with EU regulations, emphasizing ongoing platform moderation efforts.
- Positive market sentiment is supporting Toncoin recovery and early-stage crypto projects like Pepe Node.
French Authorities Lift Travel Ban on Telegram Founder
French authorities have officially lifted all travel restrictions on Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov, ending a year-long judicial supervision that began after his August 2024 detention at Paris-Le Bourget Airport. Durov, charged with alleged complicity in organized crime, can now leave France freely. The move also removes the requirement for him to report to police in Nice twice weekly, marking a major milestone in a high-profile investigation linked to Telegram’s encrypted messaging platform.
Legal Battle Continues Amid Compliance Efforts
Despite the lifted travel restrictions, Durov remains under formal investigation in France. Over the past year, he fully complied with supervision terms, including limited travel to Dubai. French prosecutors allege that criminal groups used Telegram for illicit activities. Durov maintains his innocence, asserts that Telegram adheres to EU laws, including the Digital Services Act, and emphasizes that criminals did not design the platform.
Also Read: How to Use Telegram’s TON Gram Wallet: A Step-by-Step Guide
Lawyers for Durov have filed motions to reduce the degree of judicial suspicion and appealed to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), challenging the procedural basis of the charges. Meanwhile, Durov continues to focus on innovation, launching Cocoon, a decentralized AI network on the TON blockchain designed to provide uncensored AI tools.
Market Implications for TON and Early-Stage Crypto Projects
News of Durov’s legal relief has sparked renewed confidence in crypto markets tied to his ventures. Toncoin (TON), trading at $1.96, shows potential for short-term rebounds toward $2.07 and $2.36, though bearish momentum persists. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 36.99 signals proximity to oversold conditions, suggesting buyers could step in if key supports hold.
Also Read: Why OKX’s Self-Custody Wallets Could Transform Crypto Trading
Early-stage projects like Pepe Node are also seeing increased demand. The presale, enabling users to operate virtual meme coin mining rigs, has already raised $1.16 million of its $1.3 million goal, reflecting investor optimism tied to Durov’s legal and entrepreneurial developments.
Conclusion
The lifting of Pavel Durov’s travel ban marks a pivotal moment for both the Telegram CEO and the crypto ecosystem. While legal scrutiny continues, the development boosts investor confidence in Toncoin and early-stage decentralized projects, signaling potential growth opportunities for those tracking innovation in crypto and blockchain technologies.
