Pavel Durov: The Founder Who Keeps Telegram Independent — Power, Profit and Controversy

Pavel Durov is the founder and sole owner of Telegram, the encrypted messaging platform that has grown into a global communications service. Forbes estimates his personal net worth at about $17.1 billion, while Telegram is valued at roughly $30 billion and reported reaching 1 billion users in March 2025.

Growth, Revenue and Financing

Telegram hit a major milestone in 2024 when the company reported its first profitable year. Durov said the platform generated more than $1 billion in revenue in 2024 and held roughly $500 million in cash. Between 2021 and 2024 Telegram raised approximately $2.4 billion through bond offerings; Durov has said the company repaid a portion of the $2 billion in debt it had accumulated over prior years.

Legal Troubles and French Investigation

In August 2024 French authorities detained Durov at Le Bourget airport near Paris amid an investigation that alleged Telegram had been used for money laundering, drug trafficking and crimes involving minors. Durov called the arrest a "misguided approach," arguing that holding a CEO personally liable for third-party misuse of a platform would chill innovation. French travel restrictions were eased in mid-2025 and — according to AFP reporting — fully lifted in November 2025 after officials said Durov cooperated with the investigation.

Origins: VKontakte and the Rift With the Kremlin

Durov first rose to prominence as the founder of the Russian social network VKontakte (VK) in 2006. He says he was forced out as CEO in April 2014 after refusing Kremlin requests to hand over user data tied to Ukrainian protest organizers. Durov reportedly reinvested more than $200 million from the sale of VK into building Telegram.

Privacy, Moderation and Platform Principles

Durov has consistently defended strong user privacy and end-to-end security, arguing that messaging tools should be secure for all users rather than selectively available. At the same time, Telegram has faced criticism for being used by extremist groups and criminal actors. Durov acknowledged "growing pains" as Telegram scaled and in September announced policy changes that allow disclosure of IP addresses and phone numbers for users who violate rules in response to valid legal requests. He also said moderators assisted by AI have strengthened safety on Telegram Search.

Personal Life, Family And Fertility Initiatives

Durov lives in Dubai, where Telegram's operations are based, and holds UAE and French citizenships, according to published reports. His personal life has drawn public attention: he has said he is the official father of six children with three partners and has claimed to have fathered more than 100 biological children via sperm donation in multiple countries. He has funded IVF programs in Russia that provided free treatments to women using his donated sperm. Durov has also stated he intends to treat all his biological children equally and has delayed access to his estate for 30 years to encourage independence.

Allegations And Disputes

In 2023 a Swiss complaint from Irina Bolgar accused Durov of abusing their youngest son and failing to pay child support. Durov's representatives denied a romantic relationship and disputed the allegations, saying Durov supports his children and expects legal resolution through the courts. These claims remain part of ongoing legal and public scrutiny.

Public Persona And Views On Tech

Durov is known for a provocative online presence and outspoken views on technology and society. He has criticized Silicon Valley culture, warned that AI-driven change will be "brutal" for some experienced professionals, and publicly critiqued other tech leaders. His tone ranges from playful provocations to firm defenses of privacy and platform independence.

Where Things Stand

Today, Telegram is a commercially growing business with a large user base while remaining tightly controlled by Durov. The company continues to balance its privacy-first principles with regulatory pressure and efforts to limit criminal misuse of the platform.

'We are prepared to leave markets that aren't compatible with our principles,' Durov has said, emphasizing Telegram's independence over market access.