Russia accuses Telegram founder Pavel Durov of terrorism

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) officially accuses Telegram founder Pavel Durov of facilitating terrorist activities. In addition, the FSB has issued an international arrest warrant for the Telegram boss. Neither Durov nor Telegram has yet responded to the allegations.

FSB: Telegram does not remove dangerous content

According to the FSB, the case revolves around content that would have been used on Telegram by Ukrainian intelligence services and by terrorist and extremist organisations. Through the platform, these groups would have prepared and coordinated attacks, sabotage actions and cyber fraud within Russia. The Russian service states that Telegram has repeatedly failed to remove such material.

Reuters reports that the FSB formally announced the charges on Wednesday, 29 July 2026. It is a striking step, as Russia itself temporarily blocked Telegram in the past, but has since allowed the platform again within its own borders.

Not the first time Durov has been in legal trouble

It is not the first time Durov has faced legal trouble. In August 2024, he was arrested at an airport in France. In that case, he faced twelve charges, mainly concerning insufficient moderation of content on Telegram. As a result, the platform would have been abused for, among other things, sexual exploitation of children and drug trafficking.

After his arrest in France, Durov was released but remains under judicial supervision and initially was not allowed to leave the country. The new Russian charge thus adds an international dimension to the already complex legal situation surrounding the founder of one of the world’s largest messaging apps.