French authorities have granted Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder and CEO of Telegram, temporary permission to leave France.

Durov was placed under formal investigation last August over alleged criminal activities on the messaging platform and had been barred from leaving the country. He departed for Dubai on Saturday after an investigating judge approved his temporary absence.

The legal probe has heightened tensions between France and Russia, particularly against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.

Prosecutors suspect Durov of complicity in allowing illegal activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering on Telegram. As part of his legal obligations, he was required to post bail of 5 million euros ($5.4 million).

Being under formal investigation in France does not imply guilt but indicates that judges believe there is sufficient evidence to continue the case. The Paris prosecutor's office has not commented on the latest developments.