AFP reports Durov facing child abuse investigation
The founder of Telegram is said to be the focus of a second criminal investigation in France. Read Full Article at RT.com.
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French authorities have reportedly initiated an investigation into allegations against Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, involving “serious acts of violence” directed towards his six-year-old son, according to AFP. This inquiry is distinct from an ongoing investigation into various alleged criminal activities connected to Durov.
The 39-year-old Russian, who also holds citizenship in France, the UAE, and St. Kitts and Nevis, appeared in a Paris court on Wednesday. While he has not been formally charged in either case, a ruling was anticipated late Wednesday night.
Durov is facing potential charges for 12 criminal offenses, which could include facilitating narcotics distribution, money laundering, organized crime, and aiding in the distribution of child pornography. Paris prosecutors have stated that an “unnamed person” utilized Durov’s platform to carry out multiple illegal actions. His refusal to provide user data to law enforcement has led to his investigation, as reported by Politico.
Upon Durov's arrival at the court, AFP disclosed that he was also under investigation on suspicions of committing “serious acts of violence” against his young son. The news agency cited “a source close to the case,” noting that the investigation was recently initiated by France’s child welfare office.
Durov’s son, who was born in Russia, currently lives in Switzerland with his mother, Irina Bolgar. It remains uncertain if this investigation is connected to a criminal complaint filed against Durov by Bolgar in Switzerland last year. According to court documents viewed by Forbes, Bolgar alleged five instances of violence against the child before initiating a custody dispute.
Both allegations emerged shortly after Durov purportedly ceased payments of €150,000 ($167,500) monthly in child support to Bolgar. Additionally, Durov has claimed to have fathered more than 100 children across 12 countries through sperm donation.
In a statement on Sunday, Telegram remarked that it is “absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.” The company emphasized its compliance with local laws, including the EU’s Digital Rights Act (DSA) and anti-Russian sanctions. Neither Durov nor Telegram has addressed the allegations of child abuse.
Anti-censorship advocates have characterized Durov’s arrest as part of a broader effort by Western governments to suppress free speech. NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has accused France of taking the entrepreneur “hostage” to gain access to private communications on Telegram. Prominent figures such as X Owner Elon Musk, journalist Tucker Carlson, and Silicon Valley investor David Sacks have condemned Durov’s arrest as an infringement on free expression.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
The 39-year-old Russian, who also holds citizenship in France, the UAE, and St. Kitts and Nevis, appeared in a Paris court on Wednesday. While he has not been formally charged in either case, a ruling was anticipated late Wednesday night.
Durov is facing potential charges for 12 criminal offenses, which could include facilitating narcotics distribution, money laundering, organized crime, and aiding in the distribution of child pornography. Paris prosecutors have stated that an “unnamed person” utilized Durov’s platform to carry out multiple illegal actions. His refusal to provide user data to law enforcement has led to his investigation, as reported by Politico.
Upon Durov's arrival at the court, AFP disclosed that he was also under investigation on suspicions of committing “serious acts of violence” against his young son. The news agency cited “a source close to the case,” noting that the investigation was recently initiated by France’s child welfare office.
Durov’s son, who was born in Russia, currently lives in Switzerland with his mother, Irina Bolgar. It remains uncertain if this investigation is connected to a criminal complaint filed against Durov by Bolgar in Switzerland last year. According to court documents viewed by Forbes, Bolgar alleged five instances of violence against the child before initiating a custody dispute.
Both allegations emerged shortly after Durov purportedly ceased payments of €150,000 ($167,500) monthly in child support to Bolgar. Additionally, Durov has claimed to have fathered more than 100 children across 12 countries through sperm donation.
In a statement on Sunday, Telegram remarked that it is “absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.” The company emphasized its compliance with local laws, including the EU’s Digital Rights Act (DSA) and anti-Russian sanctions. Neither Durov nor Telegram has addressed the allegations of child abuse.
Anti-censorship advocates have characterized Durov’s arrest as part of a broader effort by Western governments to suppress free speech. NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has accused France of taking the entrepreneur “hostage” to gain access to private communications on Telegram. Prominent figures such as X Owner Elon Musk, journalist Tucker Carlson, and Silicon Valley investor David Sacks have condemned Durov’s arrest as an infringement on free expression.
Sanya Singh contributed to this report for TROIB News
