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Russia's FSB Charges Telegram Founder Durov of Facilitating Terrorism

The FSB said Telegram failed to remove 46 users aged 12 to 22 who were recruited for sabotage and arson, and Durov could face life in prison.

  • On Wednesday, Russia's Federal Security Service accused Telegram founder Pavel Durov of aiding terrorist activities and added his name to international wanted lists.
  • Durov has long championed his platform as a neutral space for privacy and free speech, despite clashing with both the Kremlin and Western officials over content moderation.
  • According to the FSB, Ukrainian intelligence agencies used Telegram channels to coordinate sabotage and terrorism, with 46 users of a dating chatbot detained in Russia over the past year.
  • Durov faces up to life in prison if convicted; he responded by posting an image of himself raising a middle finger on X, denouncing the charges as an attack on free expression.
  • This case marks an escalation of the Kremlin's efforts to tighten control over digital communications as Russia prepares for parliamentary elections in September amid fatigue with the 4-year-old Ukraine war.
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Russia has issued international alerts to the chief of the online service Telegram, Pavel Durov, accusing him of "aid to terrorism."

·Berlin, Germany
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Russia has advertised the French-based chief of the online service Telegram, Pavel Durov, for the international search.

·Germany
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Meduza broke the news in Riga, Latvia on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
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