In a revealing interview, Irina Bolgar, once romantically involved with Pavel Durov, the creator of Telegram, revealed details about their nearly decade-long relationship, marked by opulence and legal disputes. The interview was part of an extensive investigation conducted by journalists Adam Satariano and Paul Mozur who traveled to Geneva to gather information directly from Bolgar.
According to Bolgar, their life together included summers at a sprawling resort in Sardinia that cost about $1 million a month and residences such as a beachfront penthouse in Dubai with a private elevator. Their trips often involved private jets to destinations such as Paris, Italy and Monaco, underscoring the luxurious lifestyle funded by Telegram’s success.
However, Bolgar describes a change in Durov’s behavior over the years, from a principled entrepreneur to someone who became increasingly domineering and distant. This change, he suggests, contributed to the deterioration of their relationship, eventually leading to significant legal clashes.