Russia accuses Telegram founder of aiding terrorism in its latest online crackdown

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has accused Telegram founder Pavel Durov of aiding terrorism and placed him on international wanted lists. The FSB claims Telegram channels are used by Ukrainian intelligence and extremist groups for sabotage, murder, and cyber fraud, citing the detention of young users recruited via a dating chatbot. These charges are part of a broader Kremlin effort to control online communications following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Durov, who lives in the Gulf and holds dual French and UAE citizenship, has previously stated Russia is fabricating pretexts to restrict Telegram and suppress free speech. Russia has a history of attempting to block or restrict messaging apps, including Telegram, while promoting its own state-controlled alternatives.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov is facing new accusations from Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), which claims he aided terrorist activities and is adding him to international wanted lists. Durov, who previously founded Russia's VKontakte social network before launching Telegram, has consistently positioned himself as a defender of free speech and has denounced Kremlin attempts to restrict his platform. This escalation by Russia comes as it seeks to increase internet control ahead of parliamentary elections. Durov was also arrested in Paris in August 2024 on allegations of illicit activity on Telegram, including drug trafficking and child abuse material distribution, and was released on bail. The FSB's latest charges relate to alleged use of Telegram channels and a dating chatbot for coordinating sabotage and terrorism, with potential penalties of life imprisonment if convicted.

Russia's FSB security agency has charged Telegram co-founder Pavel Durov with "aiding terrorism" and issued an international arrest warrant. The FSB claims Telegram has failed to remove content used by Ukrainian intelligence and "terrorist" groups to plan attacks in Russia, including acts of sabotage, mass killings, and cyber-fraud. This action occurs as Russia attempts to restrict messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, while promoting its own state-backed MAX messenger. Durov, who previously founded Russia's VKontakte platform, has a history of refusing Russian authorities' requests for user data.