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Russia Charges Telegram CEO Pavel Durov with Aiding Terrorism

Published July 29, 2026 at 10:33 AM UTC

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Russian authorities have charged Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram, with aiding terrorism. The Federal Security Service (FSB) alleges that Telegram failed to remove channels and bots used by Ukrainian intelligence and extremist groups to coordinate sabotage, terrorism, and cybercrime within Russia, leading to casualties. Durov, who resides in Dubai and holds French and Emirati citizenship, has accused Russian authorities of fabricating charges to suppress privacy and free speech. A conviction could lead to a life sentence in Russia. This move is part of Russia’s broader crackdown on internet platforms since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which includes bans on major Western platforms and promotion of its own surveillance-capable messaging app, MAX. Previously, Durov was arrested in France in 2024 on unrelated charges involving illicit activity on Telegram. Telegram has not yet commented on the recent accusations.