Billionaire CEO and founder of messaging app Telegram, Pavel Durov, is facing legal trouble in both France and Switzerland. In France, Durov was arrested on Saturday and is being investigated for various offenses including complicity in administering an online platform for illicit transactions, distribution of child pornography, selling narcotics, fraud, and money laundering. In Switzerland, Durov is a suspect in a criminal case filed by his former partner Irina Bolgar, who alleges he was physically violent towards one of their three children. The case alleges that Durov harmed his youngest son multiple times between 2021 and 2022, resulting in injuries such as a concussion and sleep disorders.
Bolgar and Durov, who never married, met in 2012 and had three children together. They separated in 2018, with Durov committing to pay Bolgar 150,000 euros per month in child support, but Bolgar alleges that he stopped seeing their children in September 2022 and blocked the child support payments. In response, Bolgar filed a case seeking sole custody of the children, which was granted by a civil court in Geneva. Durov, who has not acknowledged paternity of these children, has two older children from a previous relationship and claims to have over 100 biological children from sperm donations.
The criminal complaint against Durov in Switzerland alleges multiple instances of physical violence against his youngest child, which led to injuries and ongoing psychological distress. The case includes transcripts of messages exchanged between Bolgar and Durov, as well as medical certificates documenting the child’s condition. Durov did not contest the child custody case, which was decided in Bolgar’s favor. Despite the ongoing legal issues, Durov’s representative declined to comment on the situation.
The investigation in France appears to be centered around allegations of child pornography distribution through Telegram, with authorities focused on the lack of content moderation on the platform. The case is being handled by JUNALCO, France’s national anti-organized crime and cybercrime unit, and Durov’s custody has been extended as the investigation continues. Both cases highlight serious allegations against Durov, who is known for founding Telegram and residing in luxurious properties around the world.
As Durov remains in police custody in France, the legal proceedings in both countries are ongoing. The situation has garnered significant attention, with authorities in France and Switzerland conducting separate investigations into the alleged offenses. Durov’s wealth and high-profile status have thrust the case into the spotlight, prompting questions about his conduct and the company he founded. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what implications they may have on Durov’s future and reputation.
