Tim Ballard’s claims to fight sex trafficking made him a MAGA star. These women told police he abused them

PLUS: Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s Arrest Linked to Sweeping Criminal Investigation, and more. [View in browser]( | [Your newsletter preferences]( 08.27.24 [SUBSCRIBE TO WIRED]( [FOR UNLIMITED ACCESS TO THESE STORIES]( [A man speaks on a stage]( RISKY BUSINESS | 2-MINUTE READ [Telegram CEO Pavel Durov’s Arrest Linked to Sweeping Criminal Investigation]( BY LILY HAY NEWMAN French authorities detained Durov to question him as part of a probe into a wide range of alleged violations—including money laundering and CSAM—but it remains unclear if he will face charges.   [Image may contain: Electronics, Mobile Phone, Phone, Person, and Texting]( LEAVE NO TRACE | 6-MINUTE READ [Struggling to Unlock Your Phone? You Might Have Lost Your Fingerprints]( BY DAWN FALLIK The absence of these identifying marks—which can be the result of excessive typing, manual work, chemotherapy, or sports—is becoming more of an issue in the age of biometrics.   [A photo illustration of a framed hundred-dollar bill that has been zoomed in.]( TOKEN EFFORT | 6-MINUTE READ [‘Should Art Be Regulated by the SEC?’: NFT Artists’ New Lawsuit Seeks Answers]( BY JESSICA KLEIN At issue is whether digital collectibles can be considered a security. “What the SEC has done directly affects my ability to make a living,” one plaintiff says.   [Tim Ballard during a premiere for The Sound of Freedom, hands , text that reads,%22 Plaintiffs v. Timothy Ballard. ]( ELECTION 2024 | 12-MINUTE READ [Tim Ballard’s Claims to Fight Sex Trafficking Made Him a MAGA Star. These Women Told Police He Abused Them]( BY ANNA MERLAN The Sound of Freedom hero and Trump ally won renown claiming to save women and children. Women who worked closely with him, though, say he preyed on them—and have watched with disbelief as his star has continued to shine. ADVERTISEMENT   SPONSORED CONTENT [“An instant classic.”—The Atlantic]( Get the inside story of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s spectacular rise and fall in Michael Lewis’s #1 bestseller, now in paperback with a new foreword.   [Small waistpouch, tablet, and grill. Decorative background: white linen.]( DEALS | 6-MINUTE READ [17 Best Early Labor Day Deals]( BY LOURYN STRAMPE Now's your chance to save some cash on TVs, smart speakers, and more.   [Collage of different outdoor security cameras. Decorative background: pink and purple acid swirl texture.]( BUYING GUIDE | 2-MINUTE READ [Our Favorite Outdoor Security Cams for Your Home or Business]( BY SIMON HILL AND ADRIENNE SO These weatherproof outdoor security cams keep a watchful eye on your property while you get on with life. Our list includes battery-powered and LTE devices and options that need no subscription.   [Image may contain: Electronics, Mobile Phone, Phone, Iphone, and Plate]( BUYING GUIDE | 29-MINUTE READ [Which Google Pixel Phone Should You Buy?]( BY JULIAN CHOKKATTU Here’s a guide to all the models—plus Pixel case recommendations and smart software tricks to try.   [Front and back view of silver audio device]( PRODUCT REVIEW | 5-MINUTE READ [Yamaha’s R-N1000A Packs Everything You Need for a Sweet Stereo Setup]( BY RYAN WANIATA This second-tier stereo streamer blends vintage looks with fantastic modern features.   Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world on [jobs.wired.com](. [Field Sales Representative]( [Virgin Media O2]( [Location: Birkenhead, UK]( [APPLY NOW]( [Enterprise Architecture Senior Manager]( [Accenture]( [Location: New York, USA]( [APPLY NOW]( ADVERTISEMENT   [WIRED logo image]( Thanks for reading. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? [Sign up here](. Plus, [browse more newsletters]( from WIRED. [(image) WIRED on Facebook]( [(image) WIRED on Twitter]( [(image) WIRED on Instagram]( [(image) WIRED on LinkedIn]( [(image) WIRED on YouTube]( [Podcasts]( [TikTok](   You’re receiving this email because you signed up for the Daily newsletter from WIRED. [Manage your preferences]( | [View our Privacy Policy]( | [Unsubscribe]( Have questions or comments? [Send us a message](mailto:hello@wired.com?subject=Daily newsletter feedback). Need help? [Contact us](. Copyright © Condé Nast 2024. One World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007. All rights reserved.