- Russia has launched a criminal investigation into Telegram CEO Pavel Durov, alleging the platform facilitated terrorist activity and extremist crimes.
- The probe cites over 150,000 ignored requests to remove content, with officials warning the platform could be labeled an “extremist organisation,” potentially criminalising user subscriptions.
- Durov dismissed the charges as a pretext to suppress free speech and push users toward a state-monitored alternative called MAX.
Pavel Durov is once again dealing with legal issues as Russian authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the Telegram CEO and co-founder.
State outlet Rossiyskaya Gazeta, citing Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), said the case involves allegations that Telegram facilitated terrorist activity. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reportedly confirmed the investigation, saying the reports were based on FSB materials and that the agency was “carrying out its functions.” Telegram had not publicly responded at the time of publication.
Durov also remains under investigation in France following his arrest in August 2024. French authorities lifted his travel ban in November 2025 after previously indicating he could face up to 10 years in prison.
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Another Criminal Investigation for Durov
Similar to the allegations from French authorities, Komsomolskaya Pravda reported that Telegram has not removed almost 155,000 channels, chats and bots flagged locally for illegal or harmful content.
It said the largest categories included 104,093 flagged for “false information,” 10,598 for promoting extremism, 4,168 for justifying extremist activity, and 3,771 related to drugs.
Former Russian presidential internet adviser German Klimenko reportedly warned that the investigation could be used to label Telegram an extremist platform. Such a designation could have practical consequences for users and businesses, including potential criminal liability for paying for Telegram Premium subscriptions or buying advertising on the platform, he said.
Durov confirmed the news in an X post on Tuesday, but accused the state of inventing pretexts to limit Russians’ access to Telegram and described the campaign as an effort to suppress privacy and free speech.
Durov has previously argued that the pressure is intended to steer users toward a new state-backed messenger called MAX. He has also said other countries, including Iran, attempted similar strategies but failed to displace Telegram usage.
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