Telegram founder Pavel Durov, the driving force behind Telegram and its blockchain partner Toncoin [TON], has received authorization to temporarily leave France.

Telegram has a deep connection with TON, which was originally envisioned as a blockchain platform integrated with the messaging app.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been authorized by a French judge to temporarily leave the country as he faces legal charges linked to allegations of enabling organized crime, sources told AFP on Thursday.

Durov, the driving force behind the messaging app and its blockchain partner Toncoin [TON], left for Dubai on Thursday, 16th of March after the judge modified his supervision conditions, the sources said.

He is now able to stay outside France for “several weeks,” though Telegram has not yet issued a statement on the development.

Durov, who holds Russian, French, and UAE passports, was detained at Le Bourget Airport near Paris in August 2024.

After several hours of questioning, he was released on a €5 million ($5.6 million) bail with strict conditions that barred him from leaving the country.

“This is bigger than Durov”

The release of Durov has been widely discussed within the crypto and blockchain communities, especially among supporters of The Open Network (TON).

Telegram has a deep connection with TON, which was originally envisioned as a blockchain platform to be integrated with the messaging app.

TON Foundation, which supports Telegram Open Network (TON), reacted to the development, saying:

“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 noticeably impacted the market movements of TON-related assets.

TON’s legal battle that moves markets

Data from Dune Analytics shows a sharp rise in daily TON transactions, with a major spike on 13th of March—just before the announcement.

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.

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.

Despite the excitement surrounding Durov’s departure, Toncoin (TON) investors continue to face challenges.

Recent reports indicate that 96% of TON holders were in the red at press time, as the token has struggled to maintain the momentum it gained earlier in the year.

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 sufficiently curb extremist and terrorist content on its platform.

Durov’s case highlights ongoing tensions between regulators and privacy-focused platforms. As governments have pressured messaging services like Telegram to enhance content moderation, the case could have broader implications for online platforms in 2024.

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 broader crypto ecosystem will continue to be closely observed.