Telegram founder internationally wanted by Russia over alleged terrorism incitement

Russian authorities are escalating their efforts against Telegram founder Pavel Durov, with the Federal Security Service (FSB) announcing it has begun the process to have him declared an international wanted person on charges of inciting terrorism. Durov, a Russian national who resides in Dubai, is accused of failing to remove channels used for alleged terrorist activities.

The FSB stated that Telegram has been actively utilized by Ukrainian intelligence agencies and extremist organizations to plan and coordinate acts of terrorism, sabotage, and cybercrimes targeting Russia. The agency specifically cited a chatbot, "Davinchik/Leo," allegedly used by Ukrainian special services to recruit young Russians for sabotage and terrorist operations, often by posing as women on dating platforms.

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Telegram has been actively utilized by Ukrainian intelligence agencies and extremist organizations to plan and coordinate acts of terrorism, sabotage, and cybercrimes targeting Russia.

According to the FSB, 46 Russian individuals aged 12-22 were apprehended last year for allegedly carrying out attacks on public officials and infrastructure after being recruited through such means. Russian media previously reported that over 153,000 crimes had been committed using Telegram in Russia since 2022.

Durov, who left Russia in 2014, has consistently denied accusations of facilitating criminal activity on his platform. He has previously stated that Telegram goes beyond its obligations in content moderation and fighting crime. In response to the latest charges, Telegram's official X account posted an image of Durov giving a middle finger, accompanied by a caption suggesting pride in defending freedom of expression and private correspondence, rights guaranteed by the Russian constitution.

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They must suspect me of defending the provisions of Article 29 and Article 23 of the Russian Constitution, which guarantee freedom of speech and the right to private correspondence. I am proud to be guilty!