Context on @telegram Usernames
Telegram allows premium/short usernames to be auctioned via the Fragment platform (on TON blockchain), where popular ones have sold for tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars (e.g., @pavel for ~$80k in 2024).
However, @elona was not auctioned or bought—it was an internal reservation by Telegram's team, common for notable figures or promotional purposes. No payment or TON transaction was involved.