Russia has escalated its confrontation with Telegram founder and chief executive Pavel Durov, accusing him of aiding terrorist activities and placing him on an international wanted list.
The Federal Security Service (FSB), Russia’s powerful domestic security agency, announced the charges on Wednesday, alleging that Telegram has been used by Ukrainian intelligence services and terrorist and extremist organizations to coordinate attacks, sabotage, mass killings and cyber-fraud operations.
According to the FSB, Durov failed to remove channels, chats and bots that were allegedly being used to facilitate such activities.
The agency said his failure to act amounted to facilitating terrorist operations through the messaging platform.
The accusations represent a major escalation in Moscow’s pressure on Telegram, which remains one of the most widely used communication platforms in Russia despite increasing government restrictions.
Telegram has become an important source of information and communication during the Russia-Ukraine war, used by civilians, officials, military personnel and political groups on opposing sides of the conflict.
Russian authorities have previously accused Telegram of failing to cooperate with law enforcement and of allowing illegal content to remain on the platform. In February, Russian state media reported that authorities had opened a criminal investigation into Durov over alleged assistance to terrorist activities.
At the time, reports cited claims that more than 153,000 crimes had been committed using Telegram since 2022, including tens of thousands involving terrorism, sabotage and extremism.
Durov has rejected Moscow’s accusations, previously accusing Russian authorities of manufacturing new justifications to restrict access to Telegram.
His dispute with the Russian government dates back years, particularly over demands for greater access to users’ communications and content.
The latest move also comes amid Russia’s broader effort to tighten control over digital platforms and promote domestic alternatives.
Telegram has faced increasing restrictions in the country, while Moscow has promoted its own messaging service as authorities seek greater control over online communications.
The charges could have serious consequences for Durov if he were to fall into Russian custody. Reports indicate that the allegations carry the possibility of a life sentence under Russian law.
The FSB’s decision to issue an international arrest warrant also raises the possibility that Durov could face detention if he travels to a country willing to act on the Russian request.
Durov, who was born in Russia and is also a citizen of France and the United Arab Emirates, is currently based in Dubai.
He has previously faced legal trouble in France, where authorities arrested him in 2024 as part of an investigation into alleged criminal activity connected to Telegram.
He was subsequently released on bail while the French investigation continued.
Telegram has not immediately issued a public response to the latest Russian charges.
The case is likely to intensify the international debate over the responsibility of technology companies for activities carried out through their platforms.
It also highlights the difficult balance between protecting users’ freedom of communication and preventing messaging services from being exploited for terrorism, violence and organized crime.
For Durov, the Russian charges mark a dramatic new chapter in his long-running battle with governments seeking greater control over Telegram and its vast global user base.
