Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram and the initiator of the TON project, remains one of the most controversial figures in the world of technology and cryptocurrency. Today, he continues to actively develop Telegram, implementing new features and exploring the possibilities of Web3 integration, despite the fact that the original TON project was closed back in 2020 under pressure from US regulators.
After the halt of the ICO and the closure of TON, Durov promised investors a partial refund: 72% in 2020 and 110% in 2021. However, many participants reported that these promises were not fully met, and some obligations remained unfulfilled. This caused serious dissatisfaction among investors, some of whom discussed lawsuits amounting to tens of millions of dollars.
Nevertheless, TON continued its development without Durov's direct involvement. Currently, the Toncoin ecosystem is supported by third-party developers and the TON Foundation. The cryptocurrency remains on the market, and its price continues to fluctuate, holding above several dollars.
In 2025, Durov announced a strategic partnership with xAI, a company founded by Elon Musk. It was expected that Telegram would integrate the Grok artificial intelligence, in return receiving funding in the hundreds of millions of dollars and a share of the revenues. However, the deal has met with mixed reactions: Musk publicly stated that the agreement has not yet been signed, while Durov claims that a preliminary agreement has been reached.
Financially, Durov remains a proponent of long-term investments in cryptocurrency. He reported owning hundreds of millions of dollars in Bitcoin and has held assets for over ten years, viewing them as a reliable means of capital preservation.
In his personal life, the billionaire also attracts significant interest. According to his own words, he is the father of six children from three women, as well as the biological father of over a hundred children born through sperm donation in various countries. In his will, Durov plans to divide his estate, valued in tens of billions of dollars, equally among all his children. Access to the inheritance will be granted only after 30 years, to give them the opportunity to grow up as independent and self-sufficient individuals, in his opinion.
However, Durov's personal reputation is overshadowed by a number of scandals. He has faced allegations of ceasing to pay alimony, refusing to see his children, and possible acts of violence. He does not publicly comment on these allegations.
Today, Pavel Durov is under judicial control in France, which restricts his movements. Nevertheless, he continues to make plans for expanding Telegram's capabilities, integrating cryptocurrency services, and developing digital technologies.
Durov's story is a combination of loud successes, ambitious ideas, and resonant conflicts. His future largely depends on how well he can implement his technological plans and restore trust both among users and investors.
