Russian security forces have charged Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app, issuing an international arrest warrant accusing him of allowing the platform to be used to coordinate terrorism and sabotage in Russia after refusing to remove related content. Durov and Telegram have not yet commented on the allegations.
The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB) announced it has charged Pavel Durov, founder and CEO of the Telegram messaging app, with "facilitating terrorism" and issued an international arrest warrant to pursue legal action against him.
The FSB stated the charges stem from Telegram's failure to remove information and content that Russian authorities say was used by Ukrainian intelligence and groups Russia designates as terrorist and extremist, for planning and coordinating sabotage, terrorism, mass killings, and cyber deception operations within Russia.
So far, neither Durov nor Telegram has issued a statement or responded to the Russian government's allegations.
Founded in 2013, Telegram is one of the world's most popular encrypted messaging apps, with the company reporting over 1 billion accounts. It is widely used in Russia, Ukraine, and many other countries worldwide.
Over recent years, the Russian government has continuously sought to restrict Telegram's use, promoting the state-supported MAX Messenger app as an alternative for the public.
Durov, 41, was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, but currently holds French and United Arab Emirates citizenship after leaving Russia several years ago.
Before founding Telegram, he created VKontakte (VK), a social network known as the "Facebook of Russia," but he sold all his shares and left the company in 2014 amid pressure from Russian authorities.
This legal action occurs amid tense relations between Durov and the Russian government, which previously tried to compel Telegram to hand over user data and repeatedly restricted access to the app without success.
Russian authorities also allege Telegram has been used to recruit Russians for sabotage operations linked to Ukrainian intelligence and accuse Durov of ignoring demands to remove prohibited content.
Meanwhile, Durov faces investigation in France over allegations that Telegram lacks adequate measures to prevent misuse of its platform and fails to cooperate properly with law enforcement. However, Durov denies all accusations, asserting that Telegram operates lawfully and upholds user privacy principles.
Analysts view the international arrest warrant as Russia's latest effort to intensify pressure on digital platforms beyond state control amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine and Moscow's tightening grip on online communication spaces.
. SourceReuters/ AFP