His vlog-like videos made it appear that way, but it's hard to say what the dude did or didn't do when the cameras weren't rolling. He did come a long way from being a restauranteur. Unfortunately, he exceeded his station and received a customary Putin retirement {{Buk missile, Polonium, Novichok, starvation in Siberia on false charges}}. He violated the prime directive of the oligarchs' social contract: Never challenge emperor Putin's fame, ego, policies, or profits if you wish to have a long life inside or outside Mother Russia.
RIP Navalny