Russian Authorities Launch Terror-Related Investigation Into Telegram CEO

Russian security services are conducting a criminal investigation into Telegram's founder Pavel Durov on allegations of supporting terrorist activities. The probe comes as Moscow pressures the popular messaging platform to remove extremist content and encourages users to switch to a government-backed alternative.

Russian security officials have opened a criminal investigation targeting Telegram’s chief executive Pavel Durov on charges related to supporting terrorist activities, according to a report from the government-controlled newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta on February 24.

The Federal Security Service is leading the probe, though Durov has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these allegations. In recent statements, Telegram has pushed back against multiple Russian accusations that the messaging platform serves as a hub for illegal activities and has been compromised by Western and Ukrainian intelligence agencies.

“The actions of the head of Telegram, P. Durov, are being investigated as part of a criminal case on the grounds of a crime under Part 1.1 of Article 205.1 (assistance to terrorist activities) of the Criminal Code of Russia,” the state newspaper reported, citing information provided by Russia’s FSB.

The messaging service, which reports having over one billion users worldwide, has not issued a statement in response to inquiries about the investigation.

Russian telecommunications regulators have already imposed limitations on Telegram’s operations within the country, claiming the company has failed to remove extremist material from its platform. The app remains widely used throughout Russia for both personal and public communications.

The Russian government has been promoting its own messaging application called MAX as an alternative, which debuted nearly twelve months ago as part of efforts to move citizens away from foreign-owned platforms.