Pavel Durov Under Investigation for Serious Violence Against Child
French authorities have launched an investigation into Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, for alleged serious violence against one of his children, who was born in 2017. The incident reportedly occurred while the child was attending school in Paris. This new inquiry is being handled by the French agency tasked with preventing violence against minors, Ofmin. The child currently resides in Switzerland with his mother, who filed a complaint against Durov earlier this year.
Arrest and Ongoing Legal Troubles
Durov, who has been living in Dubai and holds a French passport, was arrested at Le Bourget airport upon his arrival in Paris from Baku. This arrest is part of a broader investigation into Telegram's role in the dissemination of criminal content, including child pornography and drug trafficking. Following his arrest, Durov was placed in police custody for several days, and now French authorities are deliberating whether to charge him or release him without charges.
Telegram's Controversial Role and Global Implications
Telegram, which boasts approximately 900 million users, has come under scrutiny for its refusal to cooperate with investigations into child sexual abuse on its platform. Critics argue that the app is often used to host illegal content, which has raised significant concerns amid the ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine. The platform has positioned itself as a champion of user confidentiality, but its critics assert that it must take responsibility for the misuse of its services. As Durov faces potential legal repercussions, the implications for Telegram's future and its role in global communications remain uncertain.
