Pavel Durov. Photo by Dave Bedrosian / Zuma / TACC
According to the FSB, Telegram’s administration does not remove channels, chats, and bots used by Ukrainian intelligence agencies, as well as by terrorist and extremist organizations. The agency claims that the messenger’s infrastructure is being used to plan and coordinate terrorist attacks, murders, and cyberfraud against Russian citizens.
“Telegram CEO P. Durov has been charged as part of an ongoing criminal investigation… He has been placed on an international wanted list,” the FSB statement reads, according to Meduza, citing Interfax.
News of the investigation into Durov first emerged in February 2026. At that time, Russian media, citing the FSB, reported that a criminal case had been opened under the article on aiding terrorist activities; however, no official charges had been filed at that point.
In response, Durov stated on his Telegram channel that the criminal prosecution is linked to the platform’s refusal to violate users’ rights to privacy and freedom of speech. According to him, Russian authorities are seeking expanded access to user data and content moderation tools.
Amid the investigation, Roskomnadzor imposed additional restrictions on Telegram, stating that the messaging app’s administration was not complying with Russian law. At the same time, FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov announced that the security service had severed ties with Durov. “We had them before, and it didn’t lead to anything good,” he said.
Meanwhile, as early as July 27, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow was maintaining contact with Telegram regarding the restoration of full-fledged cooperation, but noted a lack of “significant activity” on the company’s part.
The FSB’s latest statement marks the agency’s first official announcement regarding the charges brought against Pavel Durov and his placement on an international wanted list.
