Russia opens criminal case against Telegram founder Pavel Durov
Feb 24th 2026
State-affiliated Russian outlets, citing the FSB, say a criminal investigation accuses Pavel Durov of facilitating terrorist activity and links Telegram to attacks and foreign intelligence use. Regulators have limited Telegram and may push users to a state-backed messenger called MAX.
- Russia's FSB has opened a criminal case against Telegram founder Pavel Durov for facilitating terrorist activity, according to state-linked media.
- Komsomolskaya Pravda and Rossiyskaya Gazeta claim Telegram became a tool for NATO intelligence and Ukrainian authorities since the 2022 invasion.
- The outlets allege Telegram was used in the 2024 Crocus City Hall attack and by killers of several pro-war figures.
- Rossiyskaya Gazeta says Durov refused Russian requests to make Telegram comply with Russian law and accuses him of aiding foreign agencies.
- Roskomnadzor has limited Telegram functionality and reports say the service could be blocked in Russia from April 1.
- Durov, who lives outside Russia, says the measures aim to force users onto a state-controlled app called MAX, and Telegram denies claims that foreign intelligence can access its messages.