Durov's Bodyguard, Companion Released After Interrogation

• 27.08.2024, 9:14

Le Figaro reports that they are at large.

The bodyguard and assistant of Telegram founder Pavel Durov have been released after interrogation, Le Figaro reports, citing an informed source. The source did not disclose any other details.

Durov was detained on August 24 at Le Bourget airport in Paris, where he flew from Baku on a private plane. The businessman was accompanied by a bodyguard and a girl. Presumably, it is blogger and cryptocurrency coach Yulia Vavilova. Judging by Stories in the girl's Instagram, this summer she visited the same locations as Pavel Durov. The time of the visits also coincide.

The French prosecutor's office suspects the messenger founder of 12 offences: administration of an online platform for illegal transactions, refusal to hand over information requested by law enforcement agencies, complicity in the possession and distribution of porn with minors, complicity in the transportation and sale of drugs, cybercrime, group fraud and money laundering. The businessman will remain in custody until at least August 28, according to the court ruling.

The investigation against Durov was launched on the preliminary request of the prosecutor's office on July 8. The case is being handled by the French police's special units for cyber and financial crimes.