The record
Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with aiding terrorist activity, accusing the platform of failing to remove channels allegedly used by Ukrainian special services and extremist groups.
- The agency also detailed a scheme in which a Telegram chatbot was allegedly used to recruit young Russians, saying 46 citizens aged 12 to 22 were detained for attacks and arson.
- Durov, who lives in Dubai, has not commented, and Telegram responded with a mocking photo on X. The charges follow Russian restrictions on Telegram, including a near-complete blockade in April 2026, and come almost two years after Durov was arrested in France over similar allegations.
What to watch next
- Whether Durov, on Russia's international wanted list, responds publicly or faces extradition attempts
- Any further Russian restrictions or actions against Telegram in Russia
- Developments in Durov's separate legal case in France over illicit content on the platform
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Named Russia · Ukraine · United Arab Emirates · Telegram · Armed Forces of Ukraine · Daivinchik/Leo-Dating, Chatting, and New Friends · Dubai · Federal Financial Monitoring Service · Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation · Investigative Committee of Russia · Ministry of Internal Affairs · Pavel Durov · Ukrainian special services
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