Russia's FSB Issues International Arrest Warrant for Telegram Founder Pavel Durov

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activity and issued an international arrest warrant on Wednesday, local news agency Interfax reported. The FSB alleged that Telegram failed to remove channels, chats and bots used by Ukrainian intelligence services, terrorist groups and extremist organizations to coordinate attacks, recruit operatives and conduct cyber fraud. The development follows reports in February that Russian authorities had opened a criminal case against Durov, who accused authorities of using the investigation to pressure Telegram and suppress privacy and free speech rights.

FSB Details Allegations Against Telegram Platform

The FSB's charges center on Telegram's alleged failure to remove specific content. According to the security service, Ukrainian intelligence services, terrorist groups and extremist organizations used Telegram channels, chats and bots to coordinate attacks, recruit operatives and conduct cyber fraud. The FSB issued the international warrant following these allegations.

Durov Responded to February Criminal Case Opening

In February, reports emerged that Russian authorities had opened a criminal case against Durov. At the time, Durov confirmed the case in a post on X and accused Russian authorities of using the investigation to pressure Telegram. Durov wrote: "Each day, the authorities fabricate new pretexts to restrict Russians' access to Telegram as they seek to suppress the right to privacy and free speech."

France Lifted Travel Restrictions on Durov Earlier This Year

Durov faces an ongoing criminal investigation in France over alleged illegal activity on Telegram. French authorities lifted travel restrictions earlier this year, allowing him to leave the country.

FAQ

What charges did Russia's FSB bring against Pavel Durov?

Russia's Federal Security Service charged Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activity and issued an international arrest warrant on Wednesday, according to Interfax.

Why did the FSB charge Durov?

The FSB alleged that Telegram failed to remove channels, chats and bots that Ukrainian intelligence services, terrorist groups and extremist organizations used to coordinate attacks, recruit operatives and conduct cyber fraud.

What is the status of Durov's investigation in France?

Durov faces an ongoing criminal investigation in France over alleged illegal activity on Telegram, but French authorities lifted travel restrictions earlier this year, allowing him to leave the country.