Russia's main domestic security agency said Wednesday that Telegram founder Pavel Durov has been charged with aiding terrorism, according to the report. Authorities have also placed him on an international wanted list, marking a serious escalation in Moscow's case against the messaging platform's owner.
The move puts fresh focus on Telegram's role in Russia and on Durov's long-running tensions with state authorities. Based on the available report, Russian officials are seeking his arrest, though the trimmed account does not detail the evidence behind the allegation or any immediate court action beyond the charge and wanted notice.
Soon after the announcement, Telegram's official account on X appeared to respond with defiance. The account posted an image of Durov making an obscene gesture, a reaction that quickly drew attention as news of the case spread.
The development is likely to be closely watched because Telegram remains one of the world's most prominent messaging apps, and Durov is one of the best-known figures in the tech sector. The charges add another layer of political and legal pressure around the platform as Russia pursues action against its founder.
