Introduction
A Russian vulnerability brokerage, Operation Zero, has announced a staggering $4 million bounty for zero-click exploits targeting Telegram, highlighting the soaring value of high-risk vulnerabilities in encrypted messaging platforms. This move underscores the growing demand for surveillance tools among government and private entities.

Operation Zero: The Broker Behind the Bounty
Operation Zero, based in St. Petersburg, specializes in acquiring and reselling zero-day vulnerabilities to Russian clients, including government agencies. The firm operates legally under Russian licensing and prioritizes fully weaponized exploits over theoretical flaws. Its latest focus on Telegram reflects the app’s strategic importance in regions like Russia and Ukraine.

The Price Tag of Exploits: From $500kto$4 Million
The bounty structure is tiered based on exploit complexity:

• ​Single-click RCE vulnerabilities: $500,000
• ​Zero-click RCE exploits: $1.5 million
• ​Full-chain exploits (enabling complete device control): $4 million
  This pricing signals urgency, likely tied to immediate intelligence needs from state-backed actors.

Why Telegram? Strategic Targets and Surveillance Demand
With over 1 billion users, Telegram’s role in wartime communication and its default lack of end-to-end encryption make it a prime target. Operation Zero’s clients are suspected to seek unrestricted access to monitor high-value individuals, activists, or dissidents.

The Dark Market Dynamics: Trust, Exclusivity, and Deception
While Operation Zero claims to use PGP encryption for seller anonymity, industry insiders caution that payouts may not always match advertised amounts. The firm’s history of inflated offers (e.g., $20 million for mobile OS exploits in 2023) raises questions about market transparency.

Conclusion
Operation Zero’s $4 million bounty underscores the lucrative yet shadowy trade in zero-day exploits. While Telegram users aren’t immediately at risk, the offer highlights the escalating arms race between secure messaging platforms and state-sponsored surveillance efforts.