Russia issues international arrest warrant for founder of Telegram app!

2026-07-29 21:44:00Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
Russia issues international arrest warrant for founder of Telegram app!
Pavel Durov/ "Telegram"

Russia's Federal Security Service, FSB, has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activities and issued an international arrest warrant for him, Interfax reported on Wednesday.

According to the FSB, the charge relates to the allegation that Telegram failed to remove materials allegedly used by Ukrainian services and extremist groups to coordinate sabotage, attacks and cyber fraud in Russia. These are claims made by Russian authorities and have not been proven by a court.

Durov and Telegram had not immediately responded to the latest announcement at the time of Reuters' publication.

In February, when Russia opened a criminal investigation, Durov portrayed the case as Moscow's attempt to restrict privacy and freedom of expression.

Telegram says it has over a billion users and is one of the leading communication platforms in Russia and Ukraine, the Telegraph reports.

The application is widely used by institutions, media, and citizens of both countries, but has come under increased pressure from Russian authorities.

Moscow has restricted foreign services and promoted the state-owned MAX app. The clash with Durov is particularly sensitive, as he was born in Russia but holds French and UAE citizenship.

A separate investigation is ongoing in France, separate from the Russian case; Durov has denied wrongdoing in that proceeding.


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