tech
February 24, 2026
Russia opens criminal case into Telegram founder Pavel Durov
Claim of ‘abetting terrorist activities’ comes as Kremlin attempts to steer users on to state-controlled app
TL;DR
- Russia has opened a criminal investigation into Telegram founder Pavel Durov on suspicion of abetting terrorist activities.
- The investigation is based on materials from Russia's federal security service, accusing the app of being compromised by Western and Ukrainian intelligence.
- Durov criticized the investigation, calling it an attempt to suppress privacy and free speech.
- Moscow recently slowed Telegram's traffic, aiming to steer users to a state-controlled alternative, MAX, as part of its 'sovereign internet' initiative.
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that authorities identified material on Telegram posing a potential threat and noted Telegram's administration's lack of cooperation.
- State media claims Telegram has been used in alleged Ukrainian plots and numerous criminal acts since the war's start.
- Russia has not outright blocked Telegram due to its widespread use but has blocked other platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube.
- Durov, who lives abroad and holds dual citizenship, has a history of conflict with Russian authorities, having left Russia in 2014.
- Durov has also faced scrutiny from Western authorities regarding content moderation on the app.
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