Russian authorities have commenced a criminal investigation into the founder of Telegram, Pavel Durov, accusing him of aiding terrorist activities in a move that signals a fresh escalation in the standoff between Moscow and the encrypted messaging platform.
State-backed newspapers, including Rossiyskaya Gazeta and Komsomolskaya Pravda, reported that security agencies had opened a case against the tech entrepreneur following the collapse of talks between officials and the billionaire.
Citing intelligence from the Federal Security Service (FSB), the reports alleged that Telegram had become a strategic tool for NATO countries and Ukraine’s intelligence apparatus. The platform, which is headquartered in Dubai and boasts over 100 million monthly users in Russia, was accused of being deployed in multiple plots targeting senior Russian military officers since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine.
According to the publications, Telegram was allegedly used in 13 attempted assassinations of high-ranking officers, as well as bombings, arson attacks on recruitment centres and other violent incidents.
The Russian authorities further claimed that the platform had complied with directives from Western governments while disregarding requests from Moscow. In 2025, Russia imposed restrictions on voice and video calls on Telegram and WhatsApp, citing national security concerns.
Responding to the development, Durov disclosed that a criminal case had been filed against him for “aiding terrorism”. He dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and described the probe as evidence of a state fearful of open communication.
The 41-year-old entrepreneur argued that Russian authorities were seeking to curtail citizens’ access to Telegram under the guise of security concerns. He maintained that the pressure campaign was designed to push users toward a state-controlled messaging application, Max, which he alleged is intended for surveillance and censorship.
Durov left Russia in 2014 after publicly stating that the Kremlin had compelled him to relinquish his stake in VK, the country’s largest social media network at the time. He later acquired French and Emirati citizenship.
Meanwhile, legal scrutiny of Telegram extends beyond Russia. French authorities continue to investigate the platform over alleged offences ranging from facilitating illicit financial transactions and drug trafficking to distributing sensitive materials and providing unlawful cryptography services.
Although judicial restrictions that previously barred Durov from leaving France were lifted in November 2025, he is reportedly required to return periodically as part of the ongoing inquiry.
