Telegram CEO Pavel Durov is under investigation in Switzerland following child abuse allegations made by his former partner, Irina Bolgar. The allegations surfaced after Durov’s recent arrest in France.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
According to a Forbes report from August 28, Bolgar filed a criminal complaint against Durov in March 2023, claiming the Telegram CEO was aggressive and physically violent towards one of their children. Additionally, Bolgar filed a civil child custody suit. The child abuse case alleges that Durov physically harmed his youngest son on five occasions between 2021 and 2022, causing injuries such as a concussion and persistent sleep disorders.
Financial Aspects of the Case
The case was filed in Geneva a few months after Durov reportedly stopped paying Bolgar 150,000 euros ($167,500) per month in child support for their three children. Bolgar, believed to be a lawyer, also filed for child support in June 2024. The Geneva Public Prosecutor’s Office initially dismissed the criminal complaint because it was brought more than three months after the most recent incident. However, Bolgar successfully appealed in May 2023, and the case was allowed to proceed in October.
Durov’s Attorney
A representative for Durov declined to comment. Court filings indicate Bolgar claims Durov ceased contact with their children in September 2022 and simultaneously halted child support payments. Since then, Bolgar reportedly relied on her 8,000 Swiss franc ($9,500) monthly salary to support the children. Forbes estimates Durov’s fortune at $15.5 billion.
The investigation against Pavel Durov is ongoing. The case continues to attract significant public attention.
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