1 month ago
19
Nikolai Durov
, the lesser-known yet crucial figure behind
Telegram
, finds himself in the spotlight following the issuance of
arrest warrants
by French authorities against him and his brother,
Pavel Durov
, the CEO of Telegram., reported Politico.
Nikolai is the co-founder and technical brain behind the popular messaging platform, which has gained notoriety for its robust
encryption
and staunch refusal to cooperate with government requests for user data.
Born in Russia, Nikolai Durov is a mathematician and computer programmer with an impressive academic background. He holds a PhD in mathematics and is a multiple gold medalist in the International Mathematical Olympiad, making him a recognized genius in the tech community. His contributions to Telegram include the development of the platform’s encryption protocols, which are central to its appeal as a secure communication tool for users worldwide, as reported by the Politico.
Nikolai’s role in Telegram has largely remained in the background, with his brother Pavel taking the public-facing role as the CEO. However, his technical expertise has been instrumental in building Telegram into the powerhouse it is today, with nearly one billion users globally.
Unlike Pavel, who is often in the public eye, Nikolai maintains a low profile, focusing on the technical aspects of the platform rather than its business or public relations.
The arrest warrants issued by French authorities stem from Telegram’s alleged refusal to cooperate with a police inquiry into child sex abuse, a charge that has brought intense scrutiny to both brothers.
While there is no suggestion that Nikolai or Pavel were directly involved in the illegal activities under investigation, their refusal to comply with judicial requests has led to serious legal consequences.
The French authorities have accused Telegram of "almost non-existent cooperation" with law enforcement, particularly in cases involving criminal activities such as child pornography.
Nikolai’s current whereabouts are unclear, adding an element of mystery to the unfolding legal drama. His low public profile and the technical nature of his contributions to Telegram make him a less visible target, but the charges against him are no less serious.
The international community, including Russia and the United Arab Emirates, has shown significant interest in the case, given the Durov brothers' prominent status in the tech world.
English (US) · 