MOSCOW (Reuters/AP) — Russia has formally charged Telegram CEO and founder Pavel Durov with aiding terrorism, accusing him of allowing the messaging platform to be used by Ukrainian intelligence and extremist groups to recruit operatives and coordinate attacks. The move marks a significant escalation in Moscow’s campaign to tighten control over digital communications.
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) alleged that Telegram failed to remove channels, chats, and bots used to organize acts of sabotage, terrorism, cyber fraud, and other criminal activities. Investigators also claimed that a chatbot known as Daivinchik (Leo) was exploited by Ukrainian intelligence agents posing as women to recruit young Russians for attacks inside the country. According to the FSB, 46 people between the ages of 12 and 22 have been arrested over the past year in connection with the alleged scheme.
Russian authorities have placed Durov on an international wanted list and said he could face life imprisonment if convicted under Russia’s anti-terrorism laws. It remains unclear how Moscow intends to pursue the case internationally, as Durov is a citizen of both France and the United Arab Emirates and resides in Dubai.
Telegram did not immediately comment on the latest charges. However, the company has repeatedly rejected previous accusations from Russian authorities, saying it complies with legal obligations while protecting users’ privacy and freedom of expression. Durov has previously described similar allegations as politically motivated attempts to undermine encrypted communications and limit access to independent digital platforms.
The case comes as Russia intensifies its broader digital crackdown. Authorities have imposed restrictions on Telegram, limited access to virtual private networks (VPNs), and promoted the state-backed messaging application MAX as an alternative. Critics say the measures are part of Moscow’s efforts to expand government oversight of online communications amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The accusations also highlight Telegram’s complex role in the conflict. The platform remains widely used by Russian government agencies, military bloggers, journalists, and ordinary citizens despite repeated criticism from the Kremlin. At the same time, Ukrainian officials, independent media organizations, and international observers also rely on Telegram to share news and battlefield updates.
Founded by Durov in 2013 after he left Russia, Telegram has grown into one of the world’s largest messaging platforms, with more than one billion active users. Its strong privacy features have made it popular globally, but the service has also faced scrutiny from governments over its use by criminal and extremist groups.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
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