The sudden disappearance of 24-year-old Juli Vavilova, a well-known “crypto coach” and video game streamer, has ignited widespread speculation online, particularly regarding her potential connection to the recent arrest of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov in France. The situation has captured the attention of both the media and the public, as questions arise about Vavilova’s role in the events leading up to Durov’s detention.
Background: The Arrest of Pavel Durov
Pavel Durov, who gained notoriety for his defiance of the Russian government by refusing to hand over encrypted data to the Kremlin, has been a fugitive since 2014. Despite fleeing Russia under the threat of persecution, Durov has remained a target for international law enforcement agencies. Recently, French authorities issued a search warrant for Durov as part of an ongoing investigation by the Interior Ministry. The investigation centers on alleged crimes against minors, including accusations of complicity in global drug trafficking and paedophilia—charges linked to the perceived lack of moderation on Telegram and the platform’s use of cryptocurrencies.
The woman who accompanied Pavel Durov on his journey that led to his arrest is Juli Vavilova
It’s #OSINT time! https://t.co/4ejQfRT8lt pic.twitter.com/asJlUG0Ui5
— Baptiste Robert (@fs0c131y) August 25, 2024
Durov’s arrest took place at Le Bourget airport near Paris over the past weekend, marking a significant development in the case. However, the arrest has also drawn attention to Juli Vavilova, who was reportedly traveling with Durov before his detention.
The Disappearance of Juli Vavilova
Since Durov’s arrest, Vavilova has not been heard from, raising concerns about her safety and whereabouts. Her family, increasingly worried, has told AFP that they have been unable to contact her since the incident. This sudden silence has only fueled speculation, particularly online, where theories about her involvement in Durov’s arrest are rampant.
French privacy data researcher Baptiste Robert has commented on the situation, highlighting the potential implications of Vavilova’s social media activity. Robert suggested that her posts, which chronicled her travels with Durov through Azerbaijan, may have inadvertently exposed the tech mogul’s movements, ultimately leading to his arrest. “It’s complicated to say if her posts played a direct role in his arrest, but if you were following her on social media, you could easily track Durov’s movements,” Robert told the NY Post.
Robert compiled and shared a series of Vavilova’s posts on X (formerly Twitter), revealing a striking correlation between her documented travels and Durov’s known itinerary. These posts included videos of the duo together in Uzbekistan, as well as a photo showing Vavilova in the passenger seat of Durov’s car in Azerbaijan on August 21. Other posts suggested that they had visited the same shooting range and hotel in Baku, the Azerbaijani capital, further emphasizing their close proximity during this period.
Speculation and Theories Surrounding Vavilova’s Disappearance
Despite the apparent closeness between Vavilova and Durov, the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear. It is unknown how or when they first met, though it is known that both reside in Dubai, where Telegram is headquartered.
The timing of Vavilova’s disappearance, coinciding with Durov’s arrest, has led to numerous theories, including speculation that she may have been used as a ‘honey-trap’ by those intent on capturing the elusive tech billionaire. However, these theories remain unsubstantiated, with no concrete evidence linking her to any such plot.
In response to the situation, Durov’s company has issued a statement clarifying that the 39-year-old CEO was neither in hiding nor on the run, noting that he frequently traveled to Europe as a dual French citizen.
