Kremlin targets Telegram founder in terror probe

Russia has opened a criminal case against Telegram founder Pavel Durov on suspicion of “abetting terrorist activities” — dramatically escalating its showdown with one of the world’s most popular messaging apps.

The move, reported Tuesday by state newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta, signals a fresh flashpoint between the Kremlin and the ultra-private platform used by tens of millions of Russians.

According to the paper, the case was launched “based on materials from Russia’s federal security service,” which claims Telegram has been compromised by Western and Ukrainian intelligence.

Earlier this month, Moscow announced it would slow down Telegram’s traffic, accusing it of multiple legal violations.

The pressure campaign comes as the Kremlin pushes users toward a state-controlled alternative known as MAX, part of its long-running drive to build a tightly managed “sovereign internet.”

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed authorities had identified material on Telegram that could “potentially pose a threat” to Russia.

“A large number of violations and the unwillingness of Telegram’s administration to cooperate with our authorities have been recorded,” Peskov said.

“Our relevant authorities are taking the measures they deem appropriate.”

Rossiyskaya Gazeta claimed Telegram had been used in 13 alleged Ukrainian plots targeting senior Russian military officers.

It also alleged the platform had played a role in tens of thousands of bombings, arson attacks and killings since the start of the war.

Despite the mounting accusations, Moscow has stopped short of blocking Telegram outright.

The app remains widely used by civilians and officials alike — and serves as a critical communication tool on the front line.

Russian officials have hinted that Telegram could continue operating if it complies with domestic law.

Human rights campaigners warn that would mean granting authorities access to private chats and removing opposition channels.

At the centre of the storm is Durov, 42, a tech billionaire with a complicated history with the Kremlin.

He left Russia in 2014 after selling his first company, VK — often described as a Russian version of Facebook — amid pressure from authorities.

He later founded Telegram in Dubai, where he now lives, and holds Emirati and French citizenship.

Russian authorities tried and failed to block Telegram in 2018.

An uneasy truce appeared to follow, but Moscow’s renewed crackdown on independent media and foreign tech platforms has once again put the app in its crosshairs.

Russia has already blocked WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube, driving a surge in VPN downloads among users seeking access.

Durov has not commented on the criminal case.

Earlier this month, however, he publicly criticised Moscow’s actions, comparing them to efforts by Iran to curb the platform.

He has also faced scrutiny in the West.

Last August, he was detained for three days in France during an investigation into crimes linked to Telegram, including the circulation of child sexual abuse material, drug trafficking and fraudulent transactions.

Now, with a criminal probe opened in Russia and tensions rising on multiple fronts, Telegram’s future in its home market hangs in the balance.

Whether Moscow escalates further — or forces compliance — could define the next chapter in its battle to control the digital space.

Key Takeaways

• Russia has opened a criminal case against Telegram founder Pavel Durov.

• The Kremlin accuses the app of aiding terrorist activity and foreign intelligence.

• Moscow is pushing users toward a state-controlled platform amid a wider tech crackdown.

Russia opens criminal case into Telegram founder Pavel Durov