Russia seeks arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov on terror charges

Russia has announced an international arrest warrant for Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder and CEO of the messaging platform Telegram, accusing him of "complicity in terrorist activities." The Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia stated that the warrant has been issued for Durov, who is reportedly in France. The FSB alleges that Telegram's platform has been used by Ukrainian special services to train young Russians for sabotage and terrorist acts. According to a statement from the FSB, the messaging app failed to remove a popular dating chatbot, which the Ukrainian special services allegedly used to groom Russian youths for "terrorist and subversive activities." In July 2025, Russian authorities reported the arrest of 46 individuals across various Russian regions. These individuals, aged between 12 and 22, are accused of attacking security personnel and carrying out acts of sabotage targeting energy and transport infrastructure. The FSB claims these young Russians utilized the "Leo Match Bot," a program reportedly banned in Russia, in their alleged activities. The FSB further asserts that Ukrainian special services communicated with these young Russians through the chatbot, impersonating young women. The objective, according to the FSB, was to exert pressure on them and subsequently incite them to attack police officers and set fire to facilities. The charges against Durov and the allegations regarding Telegram's platform come amid heightened tensions and ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. The FSB's statement details a pattern of alleged recruitment and radicalization facilitated through the messaging app, leading to the arrests of young individuals involved in disruptive actions.

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An international arrest warrant has been issued for Durov.