Russia has charged Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov with aiding terrorism, escalating a major dispute between the messaging platform and Russian authorities. Reports say Durov has also been placed on an international wanted list as the case moves forward.
The charge follows a terrorism-related investigation that became public in February. According to the Federal Security Service, or FSB, Telegram was allegedly used to coordinate sabotage, terrorist attacks, mass killings and cyberfraud.
Russian investigators claim those activities led to deaths and significant property damage. The case appears to focus on how the platform was allegedly used by bad actors, putting Telegram and its leadership under direct legal pressure from the state.
The development adds to broader concerns around encrypted messaging apps, platform responsibility and national security. With Pavel Durov now facing a Russia aiding terrorism charge, Telegram is at the center of a widening clash over how governments police online communications.
