Russia launches criminal investigation into Telegram founder Pavel Durov over alleged assistance to terrorist activities

2026-02-24 12:20:40

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ChainCatcher reports that, according to ForkLog, multiple Russian media outlets citing the Federal Security Service of Russia say that Telegram founder Pavel Durov is under criminal investigation for allegedly assisting terrorist activities, in accordance with Article 205.1, Part 1.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (assisting terrorist activities).

The investigation involves the dissemination of illegal content, with charges that platform administrators ignored the Russian communications regulator’s demands to delete banned channels and chats, and that Telegram was used for criminal activities and the publication of extremist and terrorist materials.

The Russian communications regulator began restricting the service in summer 2025, citing increased fraudulent activity, and in February 2026, intensified “limiting traffic” measures due to the platform’s non-compliance with Russian laws. Durov responded at the time that “Telegram defends freedom of speech and privacy.”

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