Russian Authorities Open Criminal Investigation Against Telegram Founder Pavel Durov

• February 24, 2026

Russian law enforcement authorities have initiated a criminal investigation targeting Pavel Durov, the founder of the widely used messaging application Telegram. This development marks a significant escalation in the legal scrutiny faced by Durov within Russia.

Investigation Over Terrorism-Related Charges

The investigation is reportedly conducted under charges related to alleged assistance to terrorist activities, referencing a specific provision of the Russian criminal code. Multiple Russian media outlets have cited information from the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) as their sources for this update.

Telegram, known for its encrypted communications and resistance to government censorship, has long been a focal point in conflicts between its founder and Russian authorities. The new investigation could have profound implications for both Durov personally and the future operational landscape of Telegram within Russia.

Details regarding the circumstances or evidence leading to the opening of this case have not been disclosed publicly. Additionally, there has been no official comment from Pavel Durov or representatives of Telegram at this time.

This legal action adds to a list of challenges faced by prominent technology figures operating under censorship-heavy environments where messaging platforms often become battlegrounds for issues surrounding privacy, security, and state control.

Observers will be closely monitoring further information regarding the investigation as well as any responses from the international technology community given Telegram’s widespread use outside Russia.

Russian investigators have launched a criminal case against Pavel Durov over allegations of aiding terrorist activities.