The publication Sota reported that the messaging app Telegram's technical maintenance is handled by Global Network Management (GNM), registered in Antigua and Barbuda. Its owner is identified as Vladimir Vedeneyev, a native of Tolyatti. According to materials from a US court case, Vedeneyev was not only the owner of GNM but also Telegram's chief financial officer, authorized to sign documents on behalf of Pavel Durov.
Russian Roots and Government Clients
According to Important Stories, GNM's office is located in St. Petersburg, and about half of the company's employees work in Russia. Vedeneyev previously owned the Russian provider Globalnet, which provides communication services to government agencies, including GlavNIVTs — an analytical center operating in the interests of the FSB, FSO, and the Ministry of Defense. Globalnet is now registered to Vedeneyev's relatives, but it is claimed to continue servicing the messenger's infrastructure.
Technical Features and Privacy Concerns
Important Stories notes that Telegram does not use end-to-end encryption by default in most chats, which makes messages accessible if servers are controlled. Additionally, the app transmits unique device identifiers in unencrypted form, which could allow at least tracking of users' locations.
Journalists also recall that Pavel Durov publicly stated he had not returned to Russia after emigrating in 2014. However, a leak from the FSB Border Service shows that he visited the country more than 50 times, including during moments of financial difficulty for the messenger. In 2021, Telegram received investments from VTB, Alfa Capital, and the Aton group, after which Roskomnadzor lifted restrictions on the service in Russia — during a period when Durov was in Russia.
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