Russia charges Telegram founder Pavel Durov with aiding terrorism

Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) charged Pavel Durov, the founder and owner of Telegram, with aiding terrorist activities under Article 205.1, Part 1.1 of the Russian Criminal Code on 29 July 2026. The FSB also placed him on an international wanted list.

Article 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code

Article 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code deals with assistance to terrorist activities. The provision covers support, recruitment, financing, and other forms of assistance linked to terrorism under Russian law.

Telegram and Content Moderation

The FSB accused Telegram’s administration of not removing channels, chats, and bots used for sabotage, terrorism, mass murder, and cyberfraud. The agency also linked Ukrainian intelligence services and extremist groups to the use of Telegram for coordination inside Russia.

Pavel Durov and Telegram

Pavel Durov holds dual citizenship of the United Arab Emirates and France. He resides in Dubai, and Telegram’s official website lists Dubai as the company’s base. In 2024, Durov was arrested in Paris over allegations that Telegram was used for illicit activities, including drug trafficking and distribution of child sexual abuse images. He returned to Dubai in March 2025.

Important Facts for Exams

• Telegram was launched in 2013 by Pavel Durov and his brother Nikolai Durov.
• Telegram is a cloud-based instant messaging platform with channels, groups, bots, and end-to-end encrypted secret chats.
• The Russian Criminal Code is the main codified criminal law of the Russian Federation.
• International wanted lists are used by states and law-enforcement agencies to seek detention or extradition across borders.

Internet Control in Russia

Russia has expanded state control over the internet since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The case against Durov is part of this wider legal and regulatory pressure on digital platforms.