A Swiss court has reportedly stripped Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messenger, of parental rights to three children, according to statements shared by the children’s mother, Irina Bolgar, on her Instagram page. Bolgar notes that Durov is widely recognized as the owner of a major tech platform that is banned in some jurisdictions and labeled by critics as extremist in Russia.
Bolgar says the Court for the Protection of Children and Adults in Geneva opened a formal investigation led by local guardianship authorities and ultimately issued a ruling removing Durov from parental responsibilities. She adds that guardianship officials repeatedly attempted to contact him using contact details she supplied, but that he did not respond.
According to Bolgar, a lawsuit was filed demanding that Durov relocate to the United Arab Emirates. She cites an ultimatum issued by the entrepreneur near the end of 2022 and explains that their personal relationship had effectively ended, with no invitation for her to move with him.
Bolgar also alleges that Durov restricted access to financial resources she previously used, citing notarized permanent permissions and halting payments from bank accounts she typically managed. She says this limited her ability to support herself and the children while the case was ongoing.
When Bolgar indicated that she would defend the rights of herself and her children within the framework of the law, she claims Durov refused to sign consent for renewing or issuing new European immigration documents, effectively creating a barrier to international mobility.
Bolgar asserts that the ultimatum appeared intended to discourage her from pursuing protection through European courts and to impede her ability to safeguard her and the children’s rights. She also contends that Durov blocked opportunities for direct personal contact and that her family became isolated as a result of his actions.
In public discussions embellishing the case, Bolgar has suggested that Durov’s associates or close circles may have influenced or reflected his stance, though specifics remain unclear. The situation underscores the broader complexities that can arise when high-profile business figures encounter custodial and residency disputes across borders.
Observers note that international families sometimes face intricate legal pathways involving cross-border custody protections, immigration law, and financial arrangements. In cases like this, guardianship authorities typically seek to establish the best interests of the children while ensuring that all parties have access to due process and legal remedies within the applicable jurisdictions. The precise details and outcomes of the Geneva proceedings are expected to evolve as the case proceeds through the appropriate channels.