Russian authorities have initiated a criminal investigation into Telegram co-founder and CEO Pavel Durov, according to state media reports, marking a significant escalation in the Kremlin’s long-standing efforts to assert control over the popular messaging platform. Durov is being investigated in Russia as part of a criminal case involving allegations of facilitation of terrorist activities, official state publication Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported on Tuesday, citing the Federal Security Service (FSB). Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reportedly confirmed the investigation, stating that the news reports were based on materials from the FSB, which was "carrying out its functions." This development places Telegram and its enigmatic founder under intense pressure within Russia, raising concerns about freedom of speech, digital privacy, and the future of independent communication channels in the country.

The latest news adds to an ongoing and increasingly aggressive pressure campaign against Telegram in Russia, which has intensified significantly since state media regulator Roskomnadzor tightened messenger restrictions in early February. For years, Russian authorities have viewed Telegram with suspicion, primarily due to its end-to-end encryption and Durov’s steadfast refusal to provide the FSB with access to user data or encryption keys, citing privacy principles. This friction has manifested in various forms, including previous attempts to ban the service outright, fines for non-compliance with data localization laws, and demands for the removal of content deemed illegal by the state. The current criminal investigation represents a qualitatively different level of engagement, directly targeting the platform’s leadership with serious allegations that carry severe legal consequences.

Telegram, which boasts hundreds of millions of users globally and remains a vital communication tool for many Russians, including independent media, opposition figures, and ordinary citizens, had not responded to the reports by the time of publication. Cointelegraph contacted Telegram for comment but did not immediately receive a response, reflecting the platform’s often reserved public posture in the face of state pressure. The silence, however, does not diminish the gravity of the accusations, which could have far-reaching implications for the platform’s operations in Russia and its global standing.

Telegram Refuses to Cooperate with Russian Authorities Amidst Escalating Demands

The reported investigation builds on Telegram’s persistent refusal to comply with Roskomnadzor’s increasingly stringent demands to remove what the regulator claims is extremist-linked content and other materials deemed illegal under Russian law. Russian authorities have long expressed frustration over Telegram’s perceived role in facilitating communications for groups they classify as extremist or terrorist, particularly in the aftermath of high-profile incidents. The platform’s strong encryption, while lauded by privacy advocates, is seen by the Russian state as an impediment to national security and law enforcement efforts.

According to the state-linked Komsomolskaya Pravda, Telegram has not removed almost 155,000 channels, chats, and bots flagged for illegal or harmful content locally. The specific categories of content cited by Russian authorities underscore the breadth of their concerns. The largest categories include 104,093 channels containing false information, 10,598 promoting extremism, 4,168 justifying extremist activity, and 3,771 related to drugs. While Russian authorities present these figures as evidence of Telegram’s non-compliance and a threat to public safety, critics argue that the definition of "false information" or "extremism" in Russia is often broadly interpreted to include dissent, independent reporting, or criticism of government policies. The "false information" category, in particular, has become a potent tool for stifling narratives that diverge from the official state line, especially concerning sensitive political or geopolitical events.

The implications of this investigation could be severe. Former Russian presidential internet adviser German Klimenko reportedly warned that the investigation could lead to the entire platform being labeled as extremist. Such a designation would carry profound consequences, effectively criminalizing any financial interaction with the platform within Russia. He said that this could criminalize payments for Telegram Premium subscriptions and advertising on the platform, making it illegal for Russian citizens and businesses to engage in even basic commercial activities related to Telegram. Moreover, an extremist designation often leads to official blocking by internet service providers, removal from app stores, and could expose users to legal penalties simply for using the application, similar to how other platforms like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram are treated in Russia. The move would further isolate Russian users from global communication tools, pushing them towards state-controlled alternatives.

Durov Accuses Russia of Attacking Telegram to Promote State-Owned Messenger

Pavel Durov, known for his staunch defense of digital privacy and freedom of speech, has previously voiced strong opinions on the pressures exerted by various governments, including Russia. He has said the pressure is aimed at steering users toward a new state-backed messenger called MAX. This narrative aligns with a broader pattern observed in Russia, where the government actively seeks to promote domestic software and services, often under the guise of national security or technological sovereignty, while simultaneously restricting foreign platforms that resist state control. A state-backed messenger would inherently allow for greater surveillance and control over user communications, fulfilling the very demands Telegram has consistently refused.

Durov has added that other countries, including Iran, have attempted similar strategies and failed. "Despite the ban, most Iranians still use Telegram and prefer it to surveilled apps," Durov wrote on his Telegram channel on Feb. 10. He highlighted the resilience of users in bypassing restrictions when they perceive a platform as essential for secure and private communication. This historical context provides a critical backdrop to the current standoff, suggesting that while state pressure can be intense, fully eradicating a popular, encrypted messaging service is exceedingly difficult. "Restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right answer. Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure," Durov added, reiterating his core philosophy that has guided Telegram’s development and operational policies. This unwavering commitment to user privacy and freedom of expression is precisely what puts Telegram at odds with authoritarian regimes seeking to control information flows.

International Scrutiny and the Broader Context of Encrypted Messaging

The Russian investigation comes as Durov remains under scrutiny abroad, highlighting the complex global landscape for secure messaging platforms. Durov is also part of an ongoing inquiry in France since his arrest in August 2024. While the details of the French investigation differ from the Russian allegations, they collectively underscore the challenges faced by platforms like Telegram that prioritize user privacy through strong encryption. The French authorities reportedly detained Durov in connection with allegations that Telegram was being used to facilitate criminal activities, including drug trafficking, fraud, and child sexual abuse, due to its perceived lack of cooperation with law enforcement requests. These are serious accusations that reflect a growing global concern among governments about the misuse of encrypted platforms by criminals and terrorists.

French authorities lifted Durov’s travel ban in November 2025 after previously saying he could face up to 10 years in prison. The lifting of the travel ban suggests some progress or resolution in that specific aspect of the French inquiry, though the overall investigation may still be ongoing. The contrasting nature of the French and Russian investigations—one focusing on general criminal facilitation, the other specifically on "facilitating terror" in a context of state opposition to the platform—illustrates the diverse pressures Telegram faces from different legal and political systems.

The broader geopolitical context cannot be overlooked. Governments worldwide are grappling with the rise of end-to-end encrypted messaging services. While these services are lauded by privacy advocates and human rights organizations for protecting citizens from surveillance, they also pose significant challenges for law enforcement and intelligence agencies attempting to monitor criminal and terrorist networks. The debate often centers on finding a balance between privacy and security, with states like Russia tending to prioritize security and control to an extreme degree.

In Russia, the allegations of "facilitating terrorist activities" take on particular weight in the aftermath of incidents like the tragic Crocus City Hall attack. While the provided article does not explicitly link the current investigation to specific terrorist attacks, Russian officials, including the FSB, have repeatedly stated that Telegram was used by terrorists to coordinate and recruit following the attack. This context is crucial to understanding the heightened rhetoric and the seriousness of the charges now being leveled against Durov. Russian authorities view Telegram’s encryption as a direct hindrance to preventing such attacks, positioning the platform as a significant national security risk rather than just a communication tool.

Ultimately, the criminal investigation into Pavel Durov represents a critical juncture for Telegram in Russia. It embodies the Kremlin’s intensifying efforts to establish full control over the digital information space, a goal that clashes directly with Telegram’s founding principles of freedom and privacy. The outcome of this investigation will not only determine the future of Telegram’s operations in Russia but will also serve as a barometer for digital freedoms and state control in an increasingly fragmented global internet landscape.

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