French authorities have temporarily lifted travel restrictions on Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, allowing him to leave France amid an ongoing probe into criminal activities on the platform. Durov, under investigation since August, has reportedly departed for Dubai after posting €5 million bail.
French authorities have allowed Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder and CEO of Telegram, to leave France temporarily in a loosening of his obligations under a probe into criminal activities on the messaging app, the French news agency AFP reported on Saturday.
Durov was arrested at an airport near Paris last August and subsequently placed under formal investigation, with a ban on leaving France.
The probe further soured relations between Paris and Moscow amid the war in Ukraine and fanned debate over the boundaries of free speech and law enforcement on internet platforms.
An investigating judge gave Durov permission to leave France for several weeks and he is thought to have departed on Saturday morning for Dubai, AFP said, citing unnamed sources.
The Paris prosecutor's office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
French prosecutors said last year they suspect Durov of complicity in running an online platform that allows a range of illegal activities including drug trafficking and money laundering.
Durov was also required to post bail of 5 million euros ($5.4 million).
Being placed under formal investigation in France does not imply guilt or necessarily lead to trial, but indicates judges consider there is enough evidence to proceed with the probe.
Authorities in Russia’s Dagestan and Chechnya regions have blocked access to the Telegram messaging app over concerns it could be used by hostile groups, according to regional officials quoted by the TASS state news agency.
Australia's eSafety Commission fined messaging platform Telegram about A$1 million for its delay in providing information on measures to prevent child abuse and violent extremist content, the regulator announced on Monday.
Reliance Jio will offer free IPL streaming to users recharging with ₹299 or more. The matches can be streamed on the new JioHotstar platform. The plan also includes a 50-day trial of Jio's broadband services, aiming to boost home internet dominance.
Germany pledged €300 million in aid for Syrians, focusing on food, healthcare, shelters, and protection. The funds will support those in Syria and refugees in neighboring countries. Foreign Minister Baerbock stressed the need for political inclusion and accountability.
A drone crashed into a landed helicopter at a South Korean military airfield, sparking a fire but causing no casualties. The incident, at Yangju’s Army Aviation Battalion, is under investigation. Authorities are assessing damage and reviewing airspace security.
Kenya and the IMF have agreed to halt the ninth review of the $3.6B loan program and discuss a new lending arrangement. With rising debt costs and a 65.7% debt-to-GDP ratio, Kenya seeks fresh financial support to stabilize its economy and manage fiscal challenges.
EU Council has adopted its position on a regulation that will impose tariffs on remaining agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, as well as certain nitrogen-based fertilizers. These tariffs aim to reduce Russian export revenues, limiting Russia's ability to finance its war against Ukraine.
The inside of a Herculaneum delicate & ancient scroll, unseen for nearly 2,000 years, has been revealed using Artificial Intelligence.
World leaders welcomed the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed to, calling it a step toward ending the conflict with Russia.
President Donald Trump has vowed to respond to the European Union's counter-tariffs, escalating tensions over the U.S. steel and aluminum duties that have sparked a trade dispute between the two economic powers.
In Tuesday’s closely watched parliamentary election, Greenland’s pro-business opposition Demokraatit party took a commanding lead after over 90% of the ballots were counted.
BioNTech forecasts a revenue decline for 2025, expecting between 1.7 billion and 2.2 billion euros, down from 2.75 billion euros last year. This drop is due to Pfizer write-downs and stable vaccination rates. BioNTech also plans significant job cuts and new hires.
A drone crashed into a landed helicopter at a South Korean military airfield, sparking a fire but causing no casualties. The incident, at Yangju’s Army Aviation Battalion, is under investigation. Authorities are assessing damage and reviewing airspace security.
Kenya and the IMF have agreed to halt the ninth review of the $3.6B loan program and discuss a new lending arrangement. With rising debt costs and a 65.7% debt-to-GDP ratio, Kenya seeks fresh financial support to stabilize its economy and manage fiscal challenges.
EU Council has extended the restrictive measures targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until 15 September 2025.
Novartis is closely monitoring the U.S. reciprocal tariff policy, which may impose 25% tariffs on pharmaceuticals. The company plans to expand in Japan with radiopharmaceutical production by 2026 and recently acquired Mariana Oncology for $1B to strengthen its oncology portfolio.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for March 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Reliance Jio will offer free IPL streaming to users recharging with ₹299 or more. The matches can be streamed on the new JioHotstar platform. The plan also includes a 50-day trial of Jio's broadband services, aiming to boost home internet dominance.
Germany pledged €300 million in aid for Syrians, focusing on food, healthcare, shelters, and protection. The funds will support those in Syria and refugees in neighboring countries. Foreign Minister Baerbock stressed the need for political inclusion and accountability.
A drone crashed into a landed helicopter at a South Korean military airfield, sparking a fire but causing no casualties. The incident, at Yangju’s Army Aviation Battalion, is under investigation. Authorities are assessing damage and reviewing airspace security.
Kenya and the IMF have agreed to halt the ninth review of the $3.6B loan program and discuss a new lending arrangement. With rising debt costs and a 65.7% debt-to-GDP ratio, Kenya seeks fresh financial support to stabilize its economy and manage fiscal challenges.
EU Council has adopted its position on a regulation that will impose tariffs on remaining agricultural products from Russia and Belarus, as well as certain nitrogen-based fertilizers. These tariffs aim to reduce Russian export revenues, limiting Russia's ability to finance its war against Ukraine.
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