Russia Charges Telegram Founder Pavel Durov With Aiding Terrorism
Russia's Federal Security Service announced on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, that it has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with aiding terrorism and sought his arrest.[1]
The FSB said Durov and Telegram failed to remove channels and bots allegedly used by Ukrainian intelligence and extremist groups.[1] It placed Durov on an international wanted list and said a Russian conviction could carry a life sentence.[1] The FSB said 46 users of a Telegram dating chatbot, aged 12 to 22, have been detained since July 2025 in connection with attacks and arson.[1]
Durov, who founded Telegram and now lives in Dubai, holds French and United Arab Emirates citizenship and called the case a fabrication meant to justify restricting the app and undermining privacy.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Russia’s FSB announced terrorism-related charges against Telegram founder Pavel Durov
- The FSB says Durov and Telegram failed to remove channels and bots allegedly used by Ukrainian intelligence and extremist groups
- Russian authorities placed Durov on an international wanted list; conviction could carry a life sentence under Russian law
- The FSB claims 46 users of a Telegram dating chatbot, aged 12 to 22, have been detained since July 2025 for attacks and arson
- Durov, now based in Dubai with French and UAE citizenship, says Russia is fabricating a case to justify restricting Telegram and undermining privacy
📰 Source Timeline (1)
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