The FSB has put Pavel Durov on the international wanted list. The founder of Telegram faces a serious prison term.
Telegram messenger founder Pavel Durov has been officially placed on the international wanted list. Russia's Federal Security Service has charged him under an article on aiding terrorist activity (Part 1.1 of Article 205.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).
According to the FSB, Telegram's administration did not remove channels, chats, and bots that were allegedly actively used by Ukrainian intelligence services to prepare sabotage, terrorist attacks, and coordinate criminal activity on Russian territory. The agency claims this led to loss of life and significant material damage.
What is known so far
- Durov has been charged within an already ongoing criminal case.
- Proceedings have been initiated to place him on the international wanted list.
- According to the FSB, this concerns numerous resources within the messenger that allegedly served as a platform for recruitment and coordination.
Some media outlets, citing lawyers, report the possibility of severe punishment, including lengthy prison terms. The exact extent of the sanction will depend on the classification of the actions and the court's decision, if the case reaches that stage.
Why this matters
Telegram has long positioned itself as a maximally free platform with minimal interference in content. It is precisely this stance that has now become the subject of complaints by Russian security forces. The authorities believe that refusing to remove certain resources is tantamount to aiding and abetting.
Pavel Durov himself has not yet commented on the new charges. Previously, he repeatedly stated that the messenger does not cooperate with governments on moderation matters beyond what the law of a specific jurisdiction requires.
The situation surrounding Telegram's founder continues to escalate. The international wanted list significantly restricts opportunities for travel and conducting business. Further developments will depend on how Durov himself and the international community respond.
