Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) formally charged Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, with aiding terrorist activities on July 29, 2026, under Article 205.1, Part 1.1 of the Russian Criminal Code. The FSB alleges that Telegram's encrypted messaging platform was used by terrorist groups to plan and coordinate activities, and that Durov refused to cooperate with Russian authorities to share user data. Durov had been arrested in France in August 2024 over content moderation and encryption issues and was released on bail. Telegram has 950 million+ users globally. Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur, is a UAE resident and Telegram is headquartered in Dubai.
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Russia's FSB Formally Charges Telegram Founder Pavel Durov with Aiding Terrorism Under Article 205.1
Key Points
- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) formally charged Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, with aiding terrorist activities on July 29, 2026, under Article 205.1, Part 1.1 of the Russian Criminal Code
- The FSB alleges that Telegram's encrypted messaging platform was used by terrorist groups to plan and coordinate activities, and that Durov refused to cooperate with Russian authorities to share user data
- Durov had been arrested in France in August 2024 over content moderation and encryption issues and was released on bail
- Telegram has 950 million+ users globally
- Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur, is a UAE resident and Telegram is headquartered in Dubai
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• Russia FSB charges Pavel Durov (Telegram founder): aiding terrorism, Article 205.1 (July 29, 2026) • Earlier: Durov arrested in France (August 2024); released on bail • Telegram: 950 million+ users; end-to-end encryption; founded 2013; HQ Dubai; Durov is UAE resident • FSB: Federal Security Service of Russia; domestic successor to Soviet KGB
