In a shocking revelation, Telegram founder Pavel Durov claims he was poisoned in a brazen assassination attempt in 2018. This shocking episode left him unable to walk for weeks and sent ripples through the tech world. For too long, Durov kept this life-altering experience under wraps while developing his groundbreaking blockchain technology. His fears of health-related setbacks impacting his work were not unfounded, given the volatile political landscape in which he operates.
“I thought I was dying,” Durov stated unequivocally during a recent podcast appearance. He shared that the ordeal began when he arrived home to a disturbing gift left by a suspicious neighbor. Mere hours later, he was wracked with pain throughout his body, facing an agonizing battle for survival that left him immobilized and convinced his time was up.
In his own words, the pain was overwhelming. “I couldn’t breathe, I couldn’t see anything, was very painful. I thought it was over,” he explained. The gravity of his condition was stark; he lost eyesight and hearing, grappling with a troubling inability to breathe. When he finally came to, he was incapacitated on the floor, unable to stand for weeks.
Despite this dire incident, Durov maintained a stoic façade, deliberately keeping his team in the dark out of concern for their well-being. His resilience is notable, especially considering he co-founded VK, Russia’s leading social network, before launching Telegram in 2013, a platform that has become a critical communication tool amidst global conflicts.
Telegram has notably been a lifeline for both sides in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, facilitating timely communication among citizens and military officials. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky himself has utilized the platform to deliver vital updates.
However, Durov’s triumphs haven’t come without serious consequences. In August 2024, he was arrested upon arrival in France, facing allegations tied to the app’s alleged complicity in serious crimes due to its lack of content moderation. After stepping off the plane, French authorities detained him on a search warrant, leading to a litany of charges.
Durov’s arrest reflects a growing trend as governments worldwide tighten their grip on digital communication in a misguided effort to control information. He was slapped with 12 criminal charges, restricting his movement in France for months.
Yet, the billionaire tech entrepreneur has emerged with a renewed perspective following his near-death experience. “You feel like you’re living on bonus time,” he declared, profoundly appreciating each day as a gift after such a harrowing brush with mortality.
Adding to the intrigue surrounding Durov’s poisoning, investigative journalist Christo Grozev has drawn parallels with other suspicious cases, suggesting the possibility of nerve-agent usage—reminiscent of the notorious poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter in the UK.
Durov’s saga underscores the challenges of maintaining free speech in an increasingly authoritarian world. His commitment to innovation and privacy protection remains strong in the face of obstacles, and his story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to challenge oppressive regimes.
