of Russia Federal Security Service It officially accused Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging platform Telegram, of facilitating terrorist activities and issued an international arrest warrant for him.
On July 29, 2026, the FSB announced that Durov, who was chairman, TelegramHis administration faces charges under a provision of the Russian Criminal Code on aiding terrorist activities.
The agency stated that the lawsuit arose from the platform’s alleged failure to delete a large number of channels, chats and bots.
According to the FSB, these vehicles were used by Ukrainian special services, as well as by groups it defined as terrorist and extremist organizations.
Authorities allege that the materials were used to organize and coordinate sabotage operations, acts of terrorism, mass shootings and cyberattacks.fake The schemes in Russia resulted in many deaths, including women and children, and serious property damage.
The announcement marks a significant escalation in long-running tensions between Russian authorities and the encrypted messaging service.
Launched in 2013 and now used by more than a billion people worldwide, Telegram has remained widely popular in Russia despite the government trying to limit its reach and promote a state-backed alternative.
Russian authorities have repeatedly criticized the app for resisting requests to share data or remove content they deem harmful.
In early 2026, state media reported that an investigation targeting Durov on similar grounds was ongoing.
Born in Russia, Durov left the country years ago and has Russian citizenship. United Arab Emirates and France. He had previously founded the social network VKontakte before leaving under pressure from the authorities. In recent years he has lived primarily dubai.
French investigators separately examined allegations that Telegram did not do enough to combat illegal activity on the platform; Durov has consistently denied any wrongdoing in these proceedings.
Legal observers note that placing a person on an international wanted list is a standard step that could pave the way for formal extradition requests. Interpol channels.
The specific charge carries the potential for a long prison sentence under Russian law.
Telegram itself did not provide an immediate public response to the latest developments.
In previous statements responding to related reports, Durov described Russia’s actions against the app as politically motivated efforts to restrict privacy and freedom of expression and force users into monitored local services.
The move comes against the backdrop of Russia’s broader campaign to tighten control over online communications, especially since the start of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Telegram It remains widely used by ordinary citizens, journalists, officials, and combatants on various sides of the conflict, making it the focus of competing claims about security, censorship, and freedom of expression.
While the FSB presents its accusations as a necessary response to real threats, there is independent verification of specific allegations on the matter. Ukrainian Recruitment through intelligence operations and certain robots remains limited. The case will probably take longer to get nervous with the messaging giant Russian and could influence other governments’ approach to encrypted platforms that resist data-sharing demands.
