Everything About Pavel Durov – Net Worth, Salary, Wife, Education & More

Pavel Durov is a Russian-French businessman, entrepreneur, and investor who founded Telegram, one of the most used chatting apps. He currently serves as the CEO of Telegram Messenger Inc. and is also the co-founder of the social networking site VK. He holds citizenship in four countries. 

With a net worth of $11.5 billion, Pavel Durov is one of the wealthiest executives in the world. He was on the Forbes billionaires list in 2023 and, as of 2024, had a net worth of $15.5 billion, making him the 120th richest person in the world. 

However, Durov’s life isn’t without controversies. His recent arrest in France has sparked another controversy. If you want to know about the Telegram CEO, his earnings, net worth, and personal life, this detailed biography is all you need. 

Quick Facts About Pavel Durov

Pavel Durov Education and Early Life

Pavel Durov was born on 10 October 1984 in Leningrad, Russian SFSR. However, he spent most of his childhood in Italy due to his father’s job. He studied at Saint Petersburg State University. 

While studying at university, he created a forum called spbgu.ru. Inspired by Facebook, he and his friend Vyacheslav Mirilashvili in Saint Petersburg started working on a new Russian social network. Along with their third classmate, Lev Binzumovich Leviev, they co-founded VKontake (VK). Pavel Durov’s elder brother, Nikolai Durov, was the project’s lead developer, programmer, and architect. 

The beta testing for VK started in 2006, and the domain name Vkontakte.ru was registered in the same year. This platform’s user base reached 1 million in July 2007 to 10 million in April 2008. 

Pavel Durov’s Net Worth in 2024

Pavel Durov has an estimated net worth of $15.5 billion in 2024. Interestingly, Pavel Durov claims he doesn’t own any houses, cars, yachts, or private jets. He has mentioned in interviews that he prefers to live a minimalist lifestyle and doesn’t spend his money on luxury items. Instead, he focuses on his work and investments.

So, while many billionaires have lavish homes and expensive car collections, Pavel Durov stands out for his simple and modest approach to life. His wealth mainly comes from his ownership of Telegram, which has millions of users worldwide. Despite all these claims, Pavel still counts among the wealthiest and highest paid CEOs in the world. 

Pavel Durov’s Career Timeline

In 2006, Pavel and his brother Nikolai created VKontakte, also known as VK, a social networking site similar to Facebook. It quickly became very popular in Russia and other countries. Pavel was the CEO of VK until 2014. However, he had disagreements with the new owners and decided to leave the company.

After leaving VK, Pavel focused on a new project. In 2013, he launched Telegram, a messaging app known for its strong privacy and encryption features. It became popular because it allows people to communicate securely. Many people use Telegram to share information and stay in touch with friends and family.

Pavel’s work on Telegram made him very successful. He became a billionaire and gained recognition in the tech industry. Despite his wealth, Pavel prefers a simple lifestyle. He does not own houses, cars, or other luxury items.

Pavel Durov has been known for his innovative ideas and commitment to privacy throughout his career. He continues to work on improving Telegram and making it a better platform for users worldwide.

Pavel Durov Arrest

In 2024, Pavel faced legal issues in France. He was arrested because of concerns about illegal activities on Telegram. The authorities accused him of not doing enough to prevent these activities. Telegram denied the accusations and defended Pavel.

He is alleged to have been negligent and complicit in allowing Telegram to be used for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, child exploitation, and fraud. If found guilty, Durov could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. 

It is believed that Durov had previously avoided traveling to Europe due to the risk of legal troubles. Reports suggest that French authorities had him on a wanted list for not cooperating with judicial officials regarding Telegram’s operations. French police claim that criminal activities on Telegram went unchecked due to a lack of moderation.

Natalia Krapiva, a lawyer with the digital rights group Access Now, mentioned that French authorities might attempt to compel Durov to hand over Telegram’s encryption keys to decrypt private messages. This is similar to what Russian authorities have attempted in the past.

These allegations have put Durov in a challenging position, and the outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for Telegram and its users.

Pavel Durov’s Wife and Relationship Status

Pavel Durov likes to keep his personal life private. He does not talk much about his relationships or family. He focuses more on his work and his company, Telegram. Recently, there has been some news about a woman named Yulia Vavilova. She was seen traveling with Pavel Durov, and they were together in different countries like Azerbaijan and France. Some people think they might be in a relationship, but it is not confirmed.

Pavel Durov’s Social Media Accounts

Pavel Durov is an active social media enthusiast and loves to connect with his followers and share exciting news and updates about his company. Here are the direct links to the official social media accounts of Pavel Durov: 

• Facebook: Pavel Durov
• Instagram: @durov
• Twitter: @durov

Surprising Facts about Pavel Durov

• Pavel Durov is the mastermind behind two major social networking platforms, VKontakte (VK) and Telegram.
• Durov is known for his strong libertarian views, advocating for minimal government intervention and maximum individual freedom.
• He follows a vegetarian diet and abstains from alcohol, promoting a healthy and ascetic lifestyle.
• On his 27th birthday, Durov donated a million dollars to the Wikimedia Foundation, showcasing his commitment to supporting free knowledge.
• Pavel Durov holds citizenship in four different countries, reflecting his global presence and influence.
• Durov once threw paper airplanes made of money out of his office window, causing a commotion on the streets below.
• He is a staunch advocate for user privacy and has often clashed with authorities over his refusal to share user data.
• As a school student, Durov described himself as an “internet totem,” a term that seemed odd at the time but has proven prophetic.
•  A documentary film titled “Durov” reveals new details about his life, including his university years and his emigration from Russia.

FAQs

How Much is Telegram Worth?

As of 2024, Telegram is valued at approximately $30 billion. This valuation reflects its massive user base and the platform’s growing influence in the messaging app market.

How does Durov Make Money?

Pavel Durov generates revenue through Telegram’s freemium model, which includes paid subscriptions and in-app purchases. Additionally, Telegram has launched an advertising platform that allows channel owners to earn ad revenue.

Is Telegram Russian-Owned?

No, Telegram is not Russian-owned. Although Russian-born Pavel Durov founded it, the company is legally domiciled in the British Virgin Islands and operates from Dubai, UAE.

Who is the Real Owner of Telegram?

Pavel Durov is the real owner of Telegram. He founded the platform with his brother Nikolai Durov and currently holds 100% ownership of the company.

Is Pavel Durov a UAE Citizen?

Yes, Pavel Durov is a UAE citizen. He holds multiple citizenships, including those of the UAE, France, Russia, and St. Kitts and Nevis.