According to Forbes magazine figures, the wealth of Pavel Durov, the billionaire behind the Telegram messenger, has diminished by a factor of 2.5 compared to last year. Specifically, his total net worth saw a 2.59-fold decrease in 2026 relative to 2025.
Forbes reports that Durov’s fortune was estimated at $17.1 billion in 2025, but by March 10, 2026, the businessman’s assets had depreciated to $6.6 billion.
He currently ranks 623rd on the Forbes list of billionaires. Durov’s wealth reached its zenith in 2021, when his fortune was valued at its highest point of $17.2 billion. That same year, Forbes relocated Durov from their list of Arab billionaires (after he established permanent residence in Dubai in late 2017) to the Russian section, displacing billionaire Suleiman Kerimov from the ninth position.
Pavel Durov is presently situated in Europe. The entrepreneur holds French citizenship in addition to UAE nationality. In early March, Durov wrote: “Regrettably, I had to depart Dubai for Europe a week ago—meaning I’m not only missing out on the complimentary ‘fireworks’ from Iran but also exposing myself to greater danger. Considering the crime rates across Europe, Dubai is statistically safer, even amidst incoming rockets. I eagerly await my return.”
Previously, Pavel Durov indicated that the moniker “oligarch” should not be applied to him, as he feels he does not align with the term due to his stance on cooperation with state authorities. He stated, “Those who label me an oligarch clearly misunderstand the word’s definition. Had I been closely aligned with any government (instead of resisting their constant encroachments on freedom), I would have achieved tenfold greater success by now. Everything I have accomplished was achieved in opposition to governments, not because of them.”
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