Inside the Bust That Took Down Pavel Durov—and Upended Telegram

In March 2018, Russian authorities raided the offices of Telegram, the popular messaging app founded by Pavel Durov. The raid was part of a larger crackdown on encrypted communication services in Russia.

Durov, a Russian entrepreneur known for his outspoken views on privacy and freedom of speech, had long been a thorn in the side of the Russian government. Telegram’s refusal to hand over encryption keys to the Russian security services had made it a target.

The raid on Telegram’s offices was a dramatic event that sent shockwaves through the tech industry. Durov himself managed to escape, but several of his employees were arrested and detained.

Despite the turmoil, Telegram continued to operate and even managed to raise millions of dollars in a successful initial coin offering (ICO). The incident solidified Durov’s reputation as a fearless defender of privacy and free speech.

However, the raid also raised questions about the future of Telegram and its ability to resist government pressure. Many wondered if the app would be able to continue operating in Russia, or if Durov would eventually be forced to cave to the authorities’ demands.

Ultimately, Durov and Telegram emerged from the raid stronger than ever. The app’s user base continued to grow, and its reputation as a secure and private messaging platform was cemented.

Today, Telegram is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world, with millions of users relying on it for secure communication. The events of March 2018 may have been a setback for Durov and Telegram, but they ultimately proved the app’s resilience and commitment to protecting user privacy.

Despite the challenges they faced, Durov and his team remained defiant and determined to uphold their principles. The bust that took down Durov may have upended Telegram briefly, but it also showcased the app’s ability to weather any storm.