Who is Pavel Durov? Discover the CEO of Telegram

Who is Pavel Durov?

Pavel Durov is a Russian billionaire and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of the messaging app Telegram. With exceptional programming skills and a strong personality, Durov has steadily turned his dream of becoming an internet icon into reality. According to Forbes, he currently ranks 156th on the global billionaire list with an impressive net worth of $11 billion.

Born on October 10, 1984, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Pavel Durov grew up in an intellectual family, where his father, a university professor, instilled in him a deep passion for technology. From an early age, Durov was guided to pursue this path, inheriting his father’s enthusiasm.

In 2002, after graduating with honors from a physical education institute, Durov earned a full scholarship to Saint Petersburg State University, majoring in linguistics. His talent and intelligence were quickly recognized there, although his rebellious nature also led to some troubles.

One notable incident occurred when Durov, to demonstrate the weaknesses in the university’s security system, hacked and paralyzed the entire network. Although this act showcased his advanced technological skills, it resulted in him being banned from using the university’s computer systems until graduation.

The story of Pavel Durov is not just the journey of a tech genius but also a testament to the power of creativity and bold thinking. From a talented but rebellious student, Durov has become one of the most influential tech entrepreneurs in the world, exemplifying the saying, “Genius and madness are often separated by a thin line.”

Pavel Durov’s Career

Vkontakte – The Russian-made Social Network

Much like Mark Zuckerberg with Facebook, Pavel Durov gained fame by developing Vkontakte during his second year at university. As Russia was swept up in Facebook fever, Durov worked tirelessly from his dormitory to create a social network tailored for Russians.

Vkontakte quickly gained widespread popularity thanks to its simple search mechanism and sophisticated advertising approach. Within a month, user numbers surged, forcing Durov to upgrade the server infrastructure to meet demand.

However, Vkontakte’s success didn’t sit well with Putin’s administration, especially during Russia’s economic purges. Despite appeals and lawsuits, Durov ultimately had to concede, selling the majority of his shares to billionaire Alisher Usmanov, who was believed to have close ties to the government. In 2014, Durov was officially ousted from Vkontakte’s management, marking the beginning of his exile.

Telegram – The Secure Messaging App

Before leaving Russia, Durov quietly developed Telegram—a secure messaging app, launched in August 2013. After relocating to the Caribbean, he invested over $1 million per month to keep Telegram operational before it started generating revenue.

By 2017, Telegram turned a profit with 180 million users, which later grew to 500 million by January of the same year. Durov attributes Telegram’s success to its independence and high security, free from control by any organization or government.

Today, Telegram employees work remotely around the globe and are often unaware of each other’s identities. This is to avoid any political or economic conflicts that could affect the company.

The Open Network – A Step into Blockchain

In 2018, Durov made headlines again with the Telegram Open Network project and the GRAM token. The project raised $1.7 billion during its first ICO, attracting significant attention from the crypto community.

However, the SEC banned the project’s ICO in March 2020. Two months later, Telegram withdrew from the project, handing over control to Anatoliy Makosov and Kirill Emelyanenko. The project was later renamed The Open Network.

TON coin from The Open Network stands out with its unique consensus mechanism. Initially using Proof of Work (PoW), TON later transitioned to Block-Proof of Stake (BPoS), reducing investment costs and increasing user accessibility.

Pavel Durov’s journey from Vkontakte to Telegram and The Open Network is not only a story of success in the tech industry but also a testament to perseverance and adaptability in the face of political and regulatory challenges.

Related: Telegram Launches Browser and Mini App Store Integrated with Toncoin

Pavel Durov’s Arrest in France

On August 24, 2024, a shocking event occurred when Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram, was arrested at Le Bourget Airport in France, shortly after landing in his private jet. French authorities cited his alleged involvement in drug trafficking and fraud as the reason for the arrest. They also claimed that his loose management of Telegram had turned the platform into a hub for terrorist communications and the spread of harmful content.

According to sources from TF1, Durov typically avoided Europe due to the numerous warrants against him. His appearance in Paris is seen as a grave mistake that could lead to a prison sentence of up to 20 years. Following the news, the price of TON plummeted from $6.8 to $5.4, representing a 20% drop.

Community Support

This event stirred the tech and crypto communities significantly. Many prominent figures in the industry have voiced their support for Durov, arguing that the arrest is a violation of human rights. The incident is reminiscent of the Tornado Cash sanctions by the United States and the arrest of its two founders in the U.S. and the Netherlands.

On social media platform X, the hashtag #FreePavel is trending rapidly. Justin Sun, a well-known figure in the crypto world, has called for the establishment of a DAO fund to support Durov’s legal battle. Memeland, a famous blockchain project, decided to allocate $1 million from its treasury to purchase TON in a show of support. Andrei Grachev, a representative of DWF Labs, also announced the purchase of $500,000 worth of TON to back the project.

Thanks to this wave of support, the price of TON has shown slight recovery, rising from $5.2 to $5.7.

This event has not only shocked the Telegram and TON communities but also raised important questions about privacy, cybersecurity, and the fine line between free speech and content control on social media platforms. The tech and crypto communities are closely watching the developments, hoping for a fair and reasonable resolution.

Conclusion

This article has introduced you to Pavel Durov, the CEO of Telegram. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section to receive immediate answers!