Despite its CEO being barred from leaving France due to a criminal investigation, messaging platform Telegram TON/USD is set to raise at least $1.5 billion through a new bond sale, according to a report.

The funding round, expected to be finalized Wednesday, signals investor confidence in the platform’s financial trajectory and user base, even as its founder, Pavel Durov, faces legal scrutiny abroad, The Wall Street Journal reported.

French prosecutors have charged Durov preliminarily with failing to assist in investigations involving illicit activity, including child exploitation, on the Telegram platform.

Both Durov and the company maintain they’ve complied with all enforceable legal…

Read more on Benzinga