Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been allowed to leave France temporarily, where he faces several charges related to allegedly allowing organized crime, according to AFP sources.
Durov, 40, said to have left France this morning under the orders of a investigating judge. Another insider revealed that he was given permission to travel out of the country for several weeks, and is believed to be headed to Dubai.
The legal war started in August 2024 after Durov was dramatically detained at Le Bourget airport near Paris. French authorities indicted him with turning a blind eye to extremist and terrorist posts on the commonly-utilised messaging platform. After days of questioning, he was let out on 5 million euro ($5.6 million) bail and barred from leaving the country. 
The move to lift travel restrictions on him comes after his lawyers made a formal petition. According to sources, the investigating judge gave his permission for the change to his surveillance measures a fortnight ago.
Although Durov and his spokesmen have said nothing, sources indicate that the case has agitated worries over digital rights and freedom of speech. The United Nations is said to have shown concern over the wider human rights implications of the case.
Durov holds Russian, French and UAE passports, and has previously condemned his arrest, but since then changed his stance, indicating he is willing to assist the French authorities.
A public statement of Telegram on the latest events expected anytime soon.
