Russian authorities, specifically the Federal Security Service (FSB), have placed Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, on an international wanted list. The FSB alleges that Telegram's administration is actively assisting Ukrainian intelligence agencies and has refused to cooperate with Russian authorities, leading to accusations of facilitating terrorist activities.
This move comes amidst increasing pressure from Russia on Telegram. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reportedly confirmed the investigation, stating it was based on FSB materials. Durov himself confirmed on X that a criminal case had been opened against him by Russian authorities, stating that "Each day, the authorities fabricate new pretexts to restrict Russians’ access to Telegram as they seek to suppress the right to privacy and free speech."
The Russian investigation adds to Durov's legal troubles, as he was previously part of an ongoing inquiry in France since an arrest in August 2024, although French authorities later lifted his travel ban in November 2025. Durov has previously accused Russia of attacking Telegram to promote a state-backed messenger called MAX, and has resisted demands from Russia's state media regulator, Roskomnadzor, to remove what it deems extremist-linked content. He maintains that Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy.
Former Russian presidential internet adviser German Klimenko warned that the investigation could lead to the entire Telegram platform being labeled as extremist in Russia, potentially criminalizing payments for Telegram Premium subscriptions and advertising within the country. According to state-linked Komsomolskaya Pravda, Telegram has not removed nearly 155,000 channels, chats, and bots flagged for illegal or harmful content locally, including a significant number promoting extremism or containing false information.
