Reports indicate that Russia’s security agency, the FSB, has accused Pavel Durov, the creator of Telegram, of supporting terrorism and requested his arrest through an international warrant.
The agency claims the messaging app didn’t remove harmful content used by Ukrainian intelligence and groups considered terrorist or extremist. This content was reportedly used to plan attacks against Russia, including sabotage, mass violence, and cybercrime.
Telegram is a widely popular app used by over a billion people globally, and it’s become a key communication tool for individuals on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Despite Russia’s efforts to limit Telegram and encourage its own social media service, MAX, government organizations like the Kremlin and Ministry of Defense still primarily use Telegram – created by Pavel Durov – for official announcements.
Earlier this year, there were reports suggesting Pavel Durov was being investigated for possible ties to terrorism. I’ve learned that a summons – addressed to someone identified as P.V. Durov – was actually delivered to an address where he used to live over two decades ago.
From my understanding, he claims he was targeted because of his support for both free speech and the privacy of personal communication. Currently, Reuters reports that his location is still unknown.
The recent accusations follow a similar arrest of Durov in France about two years ago. That incident involved questions about whether Telegram did enough to stop illegal activities and assist with police investigations.
The accusations against him initially involved several serious crimes, including involvement in fraudulent schemes, washing illegal money, selling drugs, distributing abusive content involving children, and providing hacking tools without proper authorization. Pavel Durov, who is now a citizen of both France and the United Arab Emirates, has consistently denied any involvement in these activities.
2026-07-29 12:50