Pegasus spyware row: Telegram founder Pavel Durov on potential target list

Analysis of the leaked list reportedly suggests Durov might have been of interest to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

New Delhi: Amid the varied cast of people whose numbers appear on a list of individuals selected by NSO Group`s client governments, one name stands out as particularly ironic. Pavel Durov, the enigmatic Russian-born tech billionaire who has built his reputation on creating an unhackable messaging app, finds his own number on the list, The Guardian reported. Durov`s number, which appears on the list in early 2018, was the UK mobile number that has been linked to his personal Telegram account for years, it said. The Guardian said the list of governments and intelligence services that might be happy to get a look at the contents of Durov`s mobile phone is long. Durov left Russia in 2013 and has had several conflicts with the country`s security services. Telegram has also played a key role in driving protest movements in Belarus, Hong Kong, and Iran.