Toncoin has captured headlines once again, surging nearly 20% following recent legal developments involving Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov. While the price spike has energized the crypto community, questions linger over whether this momentum will endure or fade just as quickly.
The catalyst for Toncoin’s latest rise stems from a French court decision allowing Durov to temporarily leave the country. Durov, who holds Russian, French, and UAE citizenship, had been barred from leaving France after being detained in August 2024 at Le Bourget Airport near Paris. He faced legal charges tied to accusations that Telegram enabled organized crime, leading to his release on €5 million bail and strict travel restrictions. However, as confirmed by sources speaking to Agence France-Presse, a judge recently amended those conditions, giving Durov permission to travel abroad for several weeks. He reportedly departed for Dubai on March 16th.
Although Telegram itself has remained silent, the news has sent ripples throughout the blockchain space, particularly among supporters of The Open Network (TON), Telegram’s decentralized blockchain partner. The TON Foundation, which oversees the project, issued a statement celebrating the development. They described Telegram as “a global movement committed to the freedom of communication and the inalienable right to privacy,” adding that they continue to stand behind Durov’s efforts to uphold free speech and privacy online.
The excitement wasn’t limited to official channels. Community members within the TON ecosystem, including those supporting smaller projects like the AKA token, welcomed the decision as a win for decentralization and personal freedoms.
Market data reflects how quickly sentiment can shift in the crypto world. TradingView shows that Toncoin’s price surged 18% in a single day, with an overall increase of more than 13% over the past week. This rally was preceded by a noticeable uptick in transaction volumes, highlighted by Dune Analytics, which reported a spike in both on-chain and off-chain TON activity in the days leading up to the announcement. Additionally, the number of new unique users grew, suggesting renewed interest in the TON ecosystem.
However, despite the short-term price boost, Toncoin’s future remains uncertain. Historical data paints a cautionary picture: following Durov’s initial arrest last August, Toncoin’s price nosedived by over 35%, dropping from $6.88 to $4.44 in just weeks. While recent gains have injected optimism, reports show that around 96% of TON holders are still operating at a loss, underscoring the token’s volatility.
Beyond the numbers, broader concerns persist. Durov’s legal troubles are part of a larger regulatory struggle over how privacy-focused platforms like Telegram handle extremist and illegal content. Governments worldwide have pressured such platforms to tighten content moderation, and Durov’s case symbolizes the friction between safeguarding privacy and complying with regulatory demands.
Whether Toncoin can translate this wave of speculation into lasting growth hinges on wider adoption and tangible integration within Telegram’s nearly billion-strong user base. For now, investors are watching closely—waiting to see if this rally marks the start of a new chapter or just another fleeting moment in the volatile world of crypto.
By Alejandro Silva Ramírez, Crypto Analyst Columnist