Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has accused Telegram founder Pavel Durov of facilitating terrorist activities and announced that he has been placed on an international wanted list, according to reports by the Associated Press and Reuters.
The FSB alleges that Telegram failed to remove numerous channels, discussion groups and automated bots that it claims were used by Ukrainian intelligence services and organizations Russia designates as terrorist or extremist groups to coordinate sabotage operations, terrorist attacks and cyber fraud.
Russian authorities further claimed that the alleged failure to remove such content contributed to multiple casualties. However, the FSB did not provide evidence or identify specific incidents supporting those allegations.
As of publication, neither Durov nor Telegram had publicly responded to the new accusations. Durov has previously argued that Russian authorities have pursued legal action against him as part of broader efforts to restrict access to Telegram, describing such measures as attempts to undermine privacy and freedom of expression.
Founded in 2013, Telegram says it has more than one billion users worldwide and remains one of the most widely used messaging platforms in Russia as well as an important communication tool during the Russia–Ukraine war.
The move comes as Moscow intensifies efforts to promote the state-backed MAX messaging platform. Critics have warned that the application could enable broader government surveillance because it does not offer end-to-end encryption and has stated that it will provide user data to Russian authorities when legally required.
Durov is also facing a separate judicial investigation in France, where prosecutors are examining whether Telegram took sufficient measures to combat criminal activity and cooperate with law enforcement authorities. Durov has denied all allegations made against him.
The latest Russian action adds to increasing international scrutiny of online platforms, highlighting the continuing debate over the balance between national security, platform accountability, user privacy and freedom of expression.
