Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, holds passports from Russia, France, the UAE, and St. Kitts and Nevis, Politico reported on Aug. 29.
Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, received French citizenship in 2021 through a special procedure for foreigners contributing to France's influence and economic relations.
President Emmanuel Macron endorsed the decision, citing Durov's efforts to learn French, similar to the process used for Snapchat CEO Evan Spiegel.
Durov, who also holds UAE and St. Kitts and Nevis citizenships, changed his name to "Paul du Rave" on his French passport in April 2023.
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Kremlin spokesperson Dmitriy Peskov confirmed Durov's Russian citizenship but was unaware of his other nationalities.