Russia Accuses Telegram Founder of Facilitating Terrorism, Issues Arrest Warrant

Russia has placed Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, on its international wanted list. The Russian Investigative Committee has charged the Russian-born tech mogul with facilitating terrorism.

According to Russian authorities, the charges stem from Telegram's alleged failure to remove content that they claim has been used by Ukrainian special forces, terrorist organizations, and extremist groups. These groups, Russia asserts, have utilized the platform to prepare and coordinate acts of sabotage, terrorism, mass killings, and cyber fraud within the Russian Federation.

Durov, who holds dual citizenship in France and the United Arab Emirates, has not yet commented on the accusations. Telegram, the encrypted messaging service he founded in 2013, has also not issued a public statement regarding the charges.

The messaging service is widely used in both Russia and Ukraine, with Ukrainian politicians and officials frequently using it to communicate about the ongoing war. This development occurs while Durov is already under investigation in France for allegedly failing to adequately combat illegal activities on the platform and refusing to cooperate with French authorities.