Telegram Founder Arrested on Charges of 'Neglecting Crime Abuse'... Also Famous as the King of Sperm Donation

Telegram's Pavel Durov Accused of Serious Crime
"Possible Sentence Up to 20 Years," Local Media Reports
Also Noted as Wealthy 'Sperm Donation King'

Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov (39) was arrested in France on charges of involvement in multiple serious crimes including terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering, pedophilia, and fraud. On the 24th (local time), Russia's TASS news agency reported, "Durov, who was traveling on a private jet, was arrested at Beauvais Airport on the outskirts of Paris along with his girlfriend and bodyguard." It is known that Durov arrived in Paris around 8 p.m. that day on a private plane from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of Telegram. [Image source=Captured from Durov's Instagram]

The French police's 'Office for the Suppression of Crimes Against Minors' (OFMIN) issued an arrest warrant following preliminary investigations into crimes such as fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, and incitement to terrorism. The police criticized Telegram for failing to properly manage content and not cooperating with law enforcement agencies, as well as for providing means such as disposable phone numbers and cryptocurrencies. A law enforcement official said, "It is surprising that Durov came to Paris knowing he was wanted," adding, "The era of Telegram escaping punishment is over."

French media outlet TF1 stated, "It is certain that Durov will be detained," and pointed out, "As a billionaire, he has vast assets that could enable him to flee. His promise to appear in court will be difficult to convince the judges." Durov's fortune is estimated to be $15.5 billion (approximately 20.6 trillion KRW). The outlet also predicted that Durov "could face up to 20 years in prison."

Originally from Russia, Durov is an IT entrepreneur who, along with his brother Nikolai Durov (44), created VKontakte (VK), known as the Russian version of Facebook, and the encrypted messenger app Telegram. Currently headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Telegram is a messenger that protects personal information using encryption programs and prides itself on being the most secure messenger. Telegram's monthly active users (MAU) reportedly increased from 500 million in 2021 to 900 million recently.

Previously, Durov also attracted public attention for 'sperm donation.' On the 19th (local time), the UK Daily Mail reported that "Durov has donated sperm in large quantities to dozens of couples in 12 countries so far and is willing to donate more through IVF (in vitro fertilization) clinics." Through his Telegram account, he introduced himself by saying, "High-quality sperm donation is a civic duty," and mentioned that he is a vegetarian, likes to wake up early, and speaks nine foreign languages including English, Persian, and Latin. Durov's sperm can be purchased at a hospital in Moscow for 35,000 rubles (about 500,000 KRW), and it is reported that over 100 babies have been born from his sperm in 12 countries.