French authorities have returned Pavel Durov’s passport, restoring the Telegram and The Open Network (TON) founder’s right to free movement. The TON Foundation officially confirmed the news, which had an immediate impact on the market—Toncoin surged over 20% within 24 hours of the announcement.
Detention and Its Consequences
Durov had been in France since August 2024, unable to leave the country. The reasons for his detention remained unclear for a long time, with officials insisting that the case was related to legal proceedings rather than political persecution.
French President Emmanuel Macron clarified the government’s stance, emphasizing that Durov’s detention occurred within the framework of an independent judicial investigation.
“France is committed to freedom of speech, innovation, and entrepreneurship. However, in a state governed by the rule of law, all freedoms operate within legal boundaries,” — Macron stated.
Despite these legal challenges, Telegram continued to grow its revenue. In the first half of 2024, the messenger’s earnings from cryptocurrency transactions reached $525 million, marking a 190% increase compared to the previous year. Toncoin sales remained the platform’s primary source of income.
Community Reaction and Market Impact
The news of Durov regaining his freedom triggered a positive response from the crypto community. Analysts believe the situation could influence regulatory approaches to cryptocurrencies, leading to new privacy-focused policies and greater investor interest in decentralized ecosystems.
At the time of publication, Toncoin is trading at $3.45, showing a strong recovery after a recent dip to $2.39, according to Coinmarketcap. Over the past week, Toncoin has gained 28,44%, though it remains 58% below its all-time high (ATH).
