Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Charged by Russian Authorities

Russia’s main security agency has charged Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, with aiding terrorism. Durov, once operating in Russia but now abroad, is on an international wanted list. This action is part of Russia’s broader attempt to control the internet, intensified since the invasion of Ukraine.

In retaliation, Telegram’s official account shared an image of Durov making an obscene gesture but gave no other comment. Russia’s Federal Security Service, known as the FSB, accused Telegram of not removing channels and bots purportedly used by Ukrainian intelligence and extremist groups to plan sabotage and cyberfraud in Russia. Allegedly, these actions resulted in numerous casualties.

The FSB also stated that a popular dating chatbot on Telegram was used to recruit Russians for sabotage, leading to 46 detentions of users aged 12 to 22, for alleged assaults and arson.

Durov accused Russian authorities of creating false reasons to restrict Telegram, infringing on privacy and free speech. A conviction could lead to a life sentence.

Telegram is based in Dubai, with Durov holding dual citizenship in France and the UAE. The Russian government has long aimed to control the internet, passing restrictive laws and blocking non-compliant platforms. Many social media sites, such as Facebook and Instagram, are banned in Russia. WhatsApp is restricted, with Russia accused of trying to promote a surveillance app instead.

Despite bans, users access platforms like WhatsApp through VPNs, which remain legal. Russia previously tried to block Telegram but failed. Meanwhile, it promotes the app MAX, criticized for lacking privacy safeguards.

Durov faced criminal charges elsewhere, including in Paris for alleged illegal activity on the platform. He returned to Dubai after being detained in France. Russian President Putin criticized French authorities for their actions against Durov, questioning their selectivity.