Russia accuses Telegram CEO of aiding “hybrid threats” amid plans to promote state-controlled messaging app
MOSCOW: The Russian government has launched a criminal investigation into Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of Telegram, accusing him of facilitating terrorist activity, a move widely seen as a precursor to a potential ban on the messaging platform.
State media, citing the Federal Security Service (FSB), reported that Durov is being investigated under Article 205.1 of the Criminal Code for allegedly allowing Telegram to be used in so-called “hybrid threats” by NATO and Ukraine. Authorities claim the platform played a role in events including the 2024 Crocus City Hall attack and the assassination of senior military officials.
From abroad, Durov, who holds French and Emirati citizenship, dismissed the charges as politically motivated. “Each day, the authorities fabricate new pretexts to restrict Russians’ access to Telegram as they seek to suppress the right to privacy and free speech,” he said.
The crackdown comes as the Kremlin seeks to promote its state-sanctioned “super-app,” MAX, which unlike Telegram, is designed for centralized oversight of user communications. Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications regulator, has already throttled Telegram traffic by 55 percent, and analysts expect a full block by April 1.
Durov, who left Russia in 2014 after refusing to hand over VKontakte user data, could face a 15 year prison sentence in absentia. The move underscores the Kremlin’s ongoing efforts to consolidate control over the internet while limiting access to independent platforms.
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