French authorities deny Durov’s request to travel to US

The French government has rejected Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s request to travel to the United States to negotiate with investment funds, Politico writes, citing the Paris prosecutor’s office.

“French authorities have denied Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s request to travel to the U.S. for ‘negotiations with investment funds.’ The Paris prosecutor’s office told Politico that it rendered its decision on May 12 ‘on the grounds that such a trip abroad did not appear imperative or justified.’

On May 18, Durov announced that he had been approached with a request to silence conservatives in Romania before the presidential elections. Later, he specified that it was Nicolas Lerner, the head of French intelligence, who had contacted him. Durov added that he had categorically refused.

To remind, Telegram founder Pavel Durov was detained at Paris–Le Bourget Airport on Aug. 24, 2024. In France, Durov is suspected of committing 10 violations and criminal offenses. The businessman faces up to 10 years in prison.