Telegram CEO faces criminal complaint in Switzerland Amid ongoing legal troubles

Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of Telegram, is under scrutiny due to a criminal complaint filed in Switzerland by his former partner, Irina Bolgar. 

She alleges that Durov was physically violent towards one of their three children. The complaint, lodged in March 2023, follows Bolgar's assertion that Durov ceased paying her €150,000 (approximately $167,500) per month in child support, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Initially dismissed due to timing issues, the Geneva Public Prosecutor’s Office reopened the case following Bolgar's appeal. Durov is accused of inflicting harm on their youngest son between 2021 and 2022, which allegedly resulted in serious injuries including a concussion. Evidence presented includes message transcripts and a medical certificate indicating ongoing anxiety and sleep disturbances in the child.

While Durov has not publicly commented, Bolgar continues her pursuit of child support and custody rights in ongoing civil cases. The couple, who were never married, separated in 2018 after which Bolgar moved to Latvia and subsequently Switzerland with their children.

At the same time, Durov has been arrested in France on charges related to cybercrime, including facilitating illicit activities via Telegram, which has led to extended legal scrutiny. 

The case highlights concerns regarding Telegram's content moderation standards amid broader allegations involving child exploitation. Durov’s representatives maintain his commitment to compliance with EU laws and emphasize his transparency throughout the legal process.