Russia Investigates Telegram’s Pavel Durov for Terrorism Allegations

Russian authorities have initiated a criminal investigation against Telegram’s founder Pavel Durov. The probe, launched by the FSB, accuses Durov of “abetting terrorist activities.” This action intensifies the ongoing conflict between the Russian state and the popular messaging platform, which is reportedly being utilized by Western and Ukrainian intelligence services.

State-affiliated newspapers, Rossiiskaya Gazeta and Komsomolskaya Pravda, reported that Telegram is allegedly implicated in 13 Ukrainian assassination attempts on high-ranking Russian military officers. Additionally, the app is blamed for its role in other incidents such as bombings and arson attacks, with thousands of such cases cited since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia has further clamped down on Telegram by imposing restrictions, citing the firm’s non-compliance in storing user data locally and refusing content removal requests. These limitations include curbing certain functionalities like voice and video calls, and significantly slowing down its service.

Simultaneously, Moscow is promoting Max, a state-operated messaging app, as a viable alternative to Telegram. The government is pushing its citizens towards Max while increasing pressure on Telegram, which currently has over 105 million monthly Russian users.

Durov’s legal troubles are not confined to Russia. In 2024, French authorities placed him under investigation, accusing Telegram of facilitating criminal activities such as drug trafficking and organized crime. Durov faced multiple charges, which included complicity in running a platform that supports illicit transactions. The case led to his arrest, after which he was released under strict conditions, including a €5 million bond and a travel ban that was eventually lifted in late 2025.

Moreover, a new Russian federal law has prohibited financial institutions and government agencies from using foreign messaging platforms like Telegram for communication, leading regulated forex brokers in Russia to cease customer support via the app.

The unfolding situation leaves several questions unanswered regarding the future of Telegram’s operations in Russia and the wider implications for its founder. Related coverage: Crypto.com Gets Conditional Federal Banking Charter.

Telegram, founded by Durov in 2013, has long been a subject of contention in Russia due to its encryption technology, which authorities claim poses a security threat. The platform’s commitment to privacy has attracted millions of users globally, but also scrutiny from governments that demand access to user data. Russia’s FSB has previously criticized Telegram’s resistance to comply with local data storage laws, which has fueled tensions.

In 2018, Moscow attempted to block Telegram entirely, citing national security concerns. However, the move proved largely ineffective due to the app’s decentralized technology and the public’s use of virtual private networks (VPNs) to bypass restrictions. This latest investigation into Durov marks a significant escalation in the Russian government’s efforts to control digital communication within its borders.

The Financial Times noted that despite these pressures, Telegram remains one of the most downloaded apps in Russia. Its popularity is partly attributed to its robust security features, which are favored by users seeking to avoid state surveillance. Nonetheless, the Kremlin’s push towards the state-backed Max app suggests a strategic effort to shift user preference away from foreign platforms.

Meanwhile, European regulators are keeping a close eye on the developments in Russia. Given the ongoing investigation in France, authorities across the European Union are considering the implications of Telegram’s legal challenges on their own regulatory frameworks. The outcome of these cases could influence how digital platforms are governed internationally, especially concerning privacy and cooperation with law enforcement agencies. Related coverage: Dollar Swings as Tariff Wars Heat.

The current situation adds to the growing scrutiny on digital platforms in Russia. On February 20, 2026, Russian communications regulator Roskomnadzor issued a statement emphasizing the need for compliance with national security laws. The agency reiterated its demand for foreign messaging services to store user data on Russian servers, a requirement Telegram has consistently resisted.

In light of these developments, Pavel Chikov, head of the Russian human rights group Agora, expressed concerns over the pressure on Telegram. He noted that the crackdown could set a precedent for further restrictions on digital freedom in the country. Chikov added that such measures might drive users to seek more secure communication alternatives outside state control.

Meanwhile, Durov’s legal team is preparing to challenge the allegations in Russian courts. His lawyer, Ivan Pavlov, announced on February 23, 2026, that they would contest the charges as unfounded and politically motivated. Pavlov argued that the accusations lack concrete evidence and serve as a means to stifle dissent and control information.

The broader implications for Telegram’s business operations are still unfolding. As of now, there has been no official comment from Telegram on the ongoing investigation. The company’s silence on the matter leaves room for speculation about its next steps in navigating these legal and regulatory challenges.