Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into Pavel Durov, the co-founder and chief executive of Telegram, over allegations related to the facilitation of terrorist activities.
According to state media reports, the case was initiated following materials submitted by the Federal Security Service (FSB). Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the investigation is based on information provided by the security agency as part of its official duties.
The probe intensifies mounting pressure on the messaging platform in Russia, where authorities have recently tightened regulatory restrictions. Telegram had not publicly responded to the reported investigation at the time of writing.
Dispute Over Removal of Alleged Illegal Content
The investigation follows ongoing disputes between Telegram and Russia’s state media regulator, Roskomnadzor. Officials claim the platform failed to remove nearly 155,000 channels, chats, and bots flagged for illegal or extremist-related content.
Reports indicate that more than 104,000 channels were categorized as spreading false information, while thousands more were accused of promoting extremism, justifying extremist activity, or facilitating drug-related content.
Former presidential internet adviser German Klimenko warned that the investigation could potentially result in Telegram being designated as an extremist organization, a move that could criminalize certain platform-related payments and advertising activity within Russia.
Durov wrote on his Telegram channel on Feb. 10;
Durov Claims Political Pressure
Durov has previously argued that regulatory pressure is intended to shift users toward a new state-backed messaging service. He has maintained that Telegram remains committed to privacy and free expression despite growing legal and political scrutiny.
The Russian case unfolds as Durov also faces legal examination abroad, including an ongoing inquiry in France stemming from his arrest in August 2024.
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