Telegram CEO Pavel Durov Declared Internationally Wanted by Russia Over Charges of Abetting Terrorism

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has charged Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov with allegedly aiding terrorism and placed him on an international wanted list, marking a major escalation in the Kremlin's long-running crackdown on online platforms. Authorities accused Telegram of failing to remove channels and bots allegedly used by Ukrainian intelligence agencies and extremist groups to coordinate attacks, an allegation Durov has previously denied.

The move comes as Russian authorities continue tightening restrictions on Telegram and other online platforms as part of broader efforts to expand state control over the internet following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Durov, who was born in Russia but later moved abroad, has accused the government of using criminal investigations to suppress online privacy and free speech.

FSB Accuses Telegram Of Failing To Remove Harmful Content

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, the FSB alleged that Telegram's administration failed to remove "numerous channels, chats and bots" that were "actively used by Ukrainian intelligence agencies, terrorist, and extremist organizations to prepare and coordinate acts of sabotage and terrorism, mass murder, and cyberfraud" in Russia.

The agency claimed the alleged activity resulted in "numerous human casualties." Russian authorities have not publicly released additional evidence supporting the allegations.

Pavel Durov Previously Denied Allegations

Earlier this year, Durov said Russian authorities had opened a criminal investigation against him. He accused officials of fabricating allegations to justify restricting access to Telegram.

According to Durov, the investigation is part of an effort to "suppress the right to privacy and free speech." Telegram has not immediately issued a fresh public response to Wednesday's announcement.

Russia Tightens Internet Controls

The latest charges come amid Russia's wider campaign to increase state oversight of the internet. Since the start of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, authorities have introduced restrictive laws, blocked websites and increased monitoring of online communications.

Several major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and X, have been banned in Russia. YouTube has faced throttling measures, while messaging platforms such as Signal and Viber have been blocked.

Although Telegram and WhatsApp remain accessible in some capacity, both services have faced increasing restrictions. Users often rely on virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass internet controls, though many VPN services have also been blocked.

Government Promotes Domestic Messaging Platform

Alongside restrictions on foreign platforms, Russian authorities have promoted a domestic messaging service called MAX. Officials describe the platform as a comprehensive service for messaging, government services and digital payments.

Critics, however, argue that MAX could facilitate government surveillance because it openly states that user data may be shared with authorities upon request. Experts have also raised concerns that the platform does not offer end-to-end encryption.

Durov Has Faced Legal Scrutiny Abroad

The Russian case is not the first legal challenge involving Durov.

In 2024, he was arrested in Paris over allegations that Telegram had been used to facilitate illicit activities, including drug trafficking and the distribution of child s*xual abuse images.

The latest charges in Russia add to the legal pressures facing the Telegram founder as governments continue to scrutinise the responsibilities of messaging platforms in moderating illegal content.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2026 12:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).