Telegram's leader, Durov, has made over 60 visits to Russia since 2014.
In 2014, Telegram creator Pavel Durov distanced himself from Russia. He went into exile following disagreements with the Russian administration and openly declared that he wouldn't return. Surprisingly, less than half a year later, he seemed to backtrack on his promise, becoming a frequent visitor to his homeland in the subsequent years.
Publicly, Durov maintains no ties with Russia. To emphasize his independence, he acquired French and UAE citizenship and shifted Telegram's headquarters from St. Petersburg to Dubai. However, following his arrest in France, Russian and Ukrainian media, among others, suggest that Durov's self-portrayal as a disassociated entrepreneur since 2014 might not be entirely accurate.
Before launching Telegram, Durov co-founded social network VKontakte with his brother in 2006. Yet, the Russian government perceived VKontakte as an issue: Pro-European forces in Ukraine used it to orchestrate protests against their pro-Russian president, while opposition movements in Russia utilized it to organize significant demonstrations. The Russian authorities thus demanded that Durov block pages of opposition leaders, such as Alexei Navalny, on VKontakte and provide personal data of protesters in Ukraine and Russia.
Durov's Declaration
Durov claims that he rejected these demands: Throughout 2014, he supposedly was pressured to sell his shares in VKontakte. He stated in interviews that his home was raided by armed security forces. Following this, he went into exile and published a manifesto titled "Seven Reasons Not to Return to Russia," where he also criticized the Russian government system.
However, as early as May 2015, Durov reportedly broke his pledge and returned to Russia more than 50 times by 2021, according to the Russian independent news source "Important Stories." The Ukrainian newspaper "Ukrajinska Prawda" reports an even higher number of visits — more than 60. Both platforms cite the same source: the data comes from a significant data leak from the Russian domestic intelligence service FSB, which includes border control data.
There's a larger gap in visits between 2017 and 2020. It's speculated that this absence was due to the Kremlin's failed attempts to acquire or block Telegram during this period. Following their failure in June 2020, Durov allegedly resumed frequent visits to Russia.
A Small Sacrifice - or None at All?
In a 2017 Telegram post, Durov clarified that he cared little if certain countries targeted Telegram due to user privacy concerns. "We are prepared to sever all personal and professional ties with such places," the entrepreneur wrote. Unfortunately, his parents still resided in Russia, limiting his visitation. "But it's a small price to pay considering the stakes," he added.
However, Durov appeared to never have to endure this price: Apart from "Important Stories," "Ukrajinska Prawda" also reports on numerous public trips to Russia: Durov traveled between European cities and St. Petersburg with the Russian airline Aeroflot or utilized alternative transportation methods.
Details of Durov's activities during his visits to Russia remain unclear. "Important Stories" reports various visits to his reported partner and children. Meetings with Russian leadership or security forces are unknown; Durov's office did not respond to inquiries, according to the report. When contacted, they refused to speak and hung up.
One thing remains evident, however: Despite being forced to sell VKontakte in 2014 and multiple attempts to take Telegram, Durov maintained a seemingly amicable relationship with Russian security forces, ensuring that he did not face arrest during his numerous trips.
The telegram about his frequent visits to Russia, reported by "Important Stories" and "Ukrajinska Prawda," raised questions about Durov's self-portrayal as a disassociated entrepreneur since 2014. Despite his manifesto promising not to return to Russia, Durov was reported to have visited Russia more than 50 times by 2021, according to "Important Stories."
In an effort to explain his travels, Durov mentioned in a 2017 Telegram post that the Wellbeing of his parents, who still resided in Russia, was a 'small price' to pay for the stakes involved with Telegram. However, the detailed activities during his visits and meetings with Russian leadership or security forces remain unclear.
