Renowned tech entrepreneur Pavel Durov, originally from Russia, has made a name for himself by creating popular social networks and a cryptocurrency, accumulating a vast fortune, and clashing with authorities not only in Russia but worldwide.
Despite being just a few months away from turning 40, Durov, once likened to the “Russian Zuckerberg” in reference to Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, has found himself in custody in France after being detained at a Paris airport in a dramatic turn of events.
Back in his 20s, the Saint Petersburg native gained fame in Russia for establishing the VKontakte (VK) social network, which dominated the former Soviet Union and catered to Russian-language users, surpassing Facebook in the region.
Following conflicts with Russian authorities and ownership disputes, Durov exited VKontakte and launched a new messaging platform called Telegram, which quickly gained popularity but also faced criticism for allegedly lacking control over extreme content.
Throughout these turbulent times, Durov remained an enigmatic and unconventional figure, seldom granting interviews and opting to make cryptic statements on Telegram.
A professed libertarian, Durov has advocated for online privacy and encryption in messaging services.
He staunchly refused to permit message moderation on Telegram, a platform that enables users to share videos, images, and comments on public “channels.”
Recently, Durov, aged 39, was apprehended in France based on a warrant for offenses allegedly committed through Telegram, including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime, terrorism promotion, and fraud.
French authorities have assigned the cyber unit of the gendarmerie and the national anti-fraud office to investigate the allegations. As of Sunday, he remained in police custody, as per sources familiar with the matter.
– ‘Thanks for all the fish’ –
In 2006, fresh out of the University of Saint Petersburg, Durov launched VKontakte (VK), drawing users even as he maintained a low profile.
In a characteristic display of his unpredictable nature, in 2012, Durov showered pedestrians with high-denomination notes from VK’s headquarters atop a historic bookstore on Saint Petersburg’s Nevsky Prospekt.
However, following a clash with the Kremlin over his refusal to provide users’ personal data to the Russian security services (FSB), he divested from the company and departed Russia in 2014.
Upon his exit from VK, Durov bid farewell in his trademark style by posting an image of dolphins with the caption “So Long and Thanks for All the Fish,” a nod to the famous science fiction series “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.”
Together with his brother Nikolai, Durov conceived the Telegram messaging service while traveling and introduced it in 2013.
He settled in Dubai, acquired citizenship of Saint Kitts and Nevis, and later, in August 2021, became a French citizen through a discreet naturalization process in Paris.
Meanwhile, Telegram experienced immense success by positioning itself as a defender of individual liberties, opposing “censorship,” and safeguarding user privacy.
This stance irked authorities, particularly in Russia. In 2018, a Moscow court ordered the blocking of Telegram, but the enforcement was chaotic. Subsequently, protesters humorously besieged the FSB headquarters with paper planes, a symbol of Telegram, in response.
Since then, Russia has abandoned attempts to block Telegram, and the platform is utilized by both the government and opposition, with certain channels amassing hundreds of thousands of followers.
Telegram also plays a pivotal role in documenting Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, with bloggers from both sides sharing analyses and combat footage.
Pro-Moscow channels managed by “Z-bloggers” supporting the war have wielded substantial influence and occasionally criticized Russian military strategies.
– ‘Love the privacy’ –
Durov avoids mainstream media interviews but engaged in a comprehensive conversation with ultra-conservative American journalist Tucker Carlson in April.
Durov told Carlson, “People love the independence. They also love the privacy, (there are) a lot of reasons why somebody would switch to Telegram.”
He frequently communicates via his Telegram channel, portraying himself as leading a solitary life and abstaining from meat, alcohol, and even coffee. With an all-black attire, he bears a resemblance to actor Keanu Reeves from the film “Matrix.”
In July, Durov claimed to be the biological father of over 100 children through sperm donations in multiple countries, considering it a “civic duty,” echoing tech tycoon Elon Musk’s unconventional parenting approach.
According to Forbes, Durov’s net worth stands at $15.5 billion. However, his cryptocurrency Toncoin has experienced a more than 15% decline following news of his arrest.
European judicial authorities have long scrutinized Telegram for allegedly disseminating conspiracy theories, inciting violence, and hosting illicit drug trade platforms. Durov maintains that he promptly addresses requests to remove content promoting violence or murder.
