Finance
Russia investigating Telegram founder Durov as part of criminal case, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 24, 2026
Quick Summary
Russia is investigating Telegram founder Pavel Durov for alleged assistance to terrorist activities, according to the FSB via Rossiyskaya Gazeta. The move follows curbs on Telegram and a state push to the MAX messaging app.
Russia Probes Telegram Founder Pavel Durov in Criminal Terrorism Case
Investigation and Regulatory Context
MOSCOW, Feb 24 - Russia is investigating Telegram founder Pavel Durov as part of a criminal case on the "facilitation of terrorist activities", state-run newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported, citing the Federal Security Service (FSB).
Company and Founder Responses
Durov could not be immediately reached for comment on the report, but in recent days Telegram has denied a host of allegations by Russia that the app is a haven for criminal activity and compromised by both Western and Ukrainian intelligence.
Legal Basis: Article 205.1
"The actions of the head of Telegram, 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," Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported in an article it said was "based on materials from the FSB of Russia".
Platform Scale and Reach
Telegram, which says it has more than 1 billion active users globally, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Regulator Restrictions on Telegram
Russia's state communications regulator has introduced restrictions on Telegram, which is hugely popular in Russia for public and private communications, over what it says is a failure by the company to delete extremist content.
Push Toward State-Backed MAX
Moscow is trying to get Russians to switch to the state-backed app known as MAX, which launched almost a year ago.
(Reporting by Reuters; Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Kate Mayberry)
Key Takeaways
- •Russia is investigating Telegram founder Pavel Durov for alleged assistance to terrorist activities, per the FSB.
- •State outlet Rossiyskaya Gazeta reported the probe, citing materials from the FSB.
- •Telegram denies claims it is a haven for criminal activity or compromised by Western and Ukrainian intelligence.
- •Restrictions on Telegram have intensified in Russia over alleged failure to remove extremist content.
- •Moscow is promoting the state-backed MAX messenger as an alternative to foreign apps.
Frequently Asked Questions about Russia investigating Telegram founder Durov as part of criminal case, Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports
1What is the main topic?
Russia is investigating Telegram founder Pavel Durov for alleged assistance to terrorist activities, according to a report by state newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta citing the FSB.
2What does Article 205.1 of Russia’s Criminal Code cover?
Article 205.1 addresses assistance to terrorist activities. Authorities say Durov’s actions are being examined under Part 1.1, which concerns facilitating such activities.
3Why is Telegram under pressure in Russia?
Regulators allege Telegram fails to remove extremist content. Russia has introduced restrictions on the app while urging users to adopt the state-backed MAX messenger.
