Russia Files Criminal Case Against Telegram CEO Pavel Durov for “Aiding Terrorist Activities”
Russia has officially filed a criminal case against Telegram founder Pavel Durov under Article 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code — “assistance to terrorist activities” — as reported by state-run newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta, citing the FSB (Federal Security Service).
What Happened?
Russia’s FSB opened the case on February 24, 2026, with Rossiyskaya Gazeta publishing that “the actions of Telegram’s leader, P. Durov, are being investigated as part of a criminal case on the grounds of a crime under Part 1.1 of Article 205.1 (assistance to terrorist activities) of the Criminal Code of Russia.” Durov has not personally responded to the charges.
The Build-Up
This didn’t come out of nowhere. On February 19, 2026, FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov publicly accused Durov of enabling terrorism, child exploitation, and sabotage — and announced that FSB had cut off all contact with Telegram. Bortnikov said previous talks with Durov “led nowhere.”
Around the same time, Russia alleged that Western and Ukrainian intelligence agencies had breached Telegram’s encryption to spy on Russian soldiers — a claim Telegram flatly denied.
Telegram’s Response
Telegram has rejected all Russian allegations, saying the platform is not a haven for criminal activity and has found no evidence of any encryption breach. The company has consistently pushed back against such claims.
Why This Matters
Durov is no stranger to legal trouble. In August 2024, he was arrested in Paris and charged with 12 counts — including drug trafficking, money laundering, and child exploitation — and was barred from leaving France. He was later allowed to leave France in March 2025 after posting €5 million bail.
Russia’s move now adds a second front of legal pressure on him — this time from his home country, which he left years ago. The timing is significant: it comes exactly on the 2nd anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
