Russia Issues Arrest Warrant for Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Amid Terrorism Allegations

Telegram founder Pavel Durov is now the subject of an international arrest warrant after Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) alleged he assisted terrorist activities.

Specifically, the FSB said the investigation centers on claims that Telegram did not take down content that Russian authorities say Ukrainian special services, along with terrorist and extremist groups, used to organize sabotage, terrorist attacks, and cyber fraud inside Russia.

Neither Durov nor Telegram immediately responded to the allegations.

The latest move adds to Durov’s ongoing legal challenges in Europe. In August 2024, French authorities arrested the Telegram founder on 12 charges related largely to allegations that the platform’s content moderation practices were insufficient to prevent criminal activity, including child sexual exploitation and drug trafficking.

Durov was subsequently released but remained under judicial supervision in France, where he was also barred from leaving the country pending further legal proceedings.

Source: Reuters