In Russia, Pavel Durov Accused of Aiding Terrorism

Pavel Durov. Photo: AP Photo / Tatan Syuflana, File

Publications, citing FSB materials, note that since 2022, over 153,000 crimes have been registered in Russia, committed using the Telegram messenger, of which 33,000 are sabotage-terrorist and extremist, including the organization of explosions, arsons of military enlistment offices, and murders.

According to FSB information, the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall in March 2024 was coordinated via Telegram.

According to FSB data, using the messenger's analytics, criminals collected information on the movements of high-ranking military personnel, bloggers, and journalists, who later became victims of crimes.

Additionally, the special service reported that 475 terrorist attacks were prevented in Russia, the preparation of which was carried out via Telegram.

The FSB argues that Telegram in Russia has acquired the status not of a means of communication, but of a strategic weapon of the enemy.

In the context of the war, the messenger is called the digital headquarters of NATO and Ukraine.

Durov is accused of not cooperating with Russian security forces.

Therefore, in August 2025, voice calls in Telegram were restricted in Russia, which, the FSB claims, reduced cybercrime in the Russian Federation by 23%.

On February 10, 2026, Roskomnadzor began a large-scale blocking, which is called «traffic degradation» — the messenger's operating speed dropped by 55%.

Durov then replied that nothing sensible would come of this idea.

«Russia is restricting access to Telegram in an attempt to force its citizens to switch to a state messenger, created for surveillance and political censorship.

8 years ago, Iran tried the same strategy — and failed. It banned Telegram on fabricated grounds, trying to force people to use a state alternative.

Despite the ban, most Iranians still use Telegram (bypassing censorship) and prefer it over surveillance apps.

Restricting citizens' freedom is never the right answer. Telegram protects freedom of speech and privacy, despite pressure» — Pavel Durov wrote then.

Now, a criminal case has been initiated against Pavel Durov in Russia under the article «Facilitating Terrorist Activity» (Part 1.1, Article 205.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation).

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