FSB Investigating Telegram Founder Pavel Durov on Terrorism Allegations - The Moscow Times
Moscow Times
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) is investigating Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder of messaging app Telegram, on terrorism allegations. The probe, reported by state media, claims that Telegram has refused to provide encryption keys to access messages linked to criminal activity, including deadly attacks in Russia. The FSB accuses the platform of aiding terrorist activities and hybrid warfare against Russia through its encrypted communication tools, which intelligence agencies from NATO countries and Ukraine are allegedly exploiting.
Durov, a Russian-born entrepreneur who lives in Dubai and holds multiple citizenships, has faced scrutiny before. In 2014, he fled Russia after refusing to comply with demands to remove opposition content on his social media platform VKontakte. Now, French authorities are also investigating him for failure to cooperate with judicial authorities over illegal content on Telegram. Durov denies the allegations, calling them an attempt to force users onto a state-backed messaging app, Max, which critics argue is designed for surveillance and censorship.
The investigation comes amid growing restrictions on Telegram in Russia. The government regulator Roskomnadzor has slowed download speeds, blocked video calls, and made the platform difficult to use without a VPN. Authorities claim these measures are necessary for national security, as they face increasing attacks blamed on Ukraine and its allies. However, Durov and his supporters argue that the restrictions violate privacy rights and target independent communication tools used by millions of Russians.
This case highlights broader tensions between digital privacy and state security in Russia. It also underscores the global debate over encryption and government access to data, with implications for internet freedom and free expression. As international scrutiny intensifies, Durov’s legal battle in both Russia and France raises questions about the future of encrypted messaging platforms and their role in modern conflict.
For readers interested in global security, this story sheds light on how authoritarian regimes are leveraging national security concerns to control digital spaces. It also reflects the ongoing struggle between independent journalism and state censorship, as seen with The Moscow Times being labeled “
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Originally published on Moscow Times on 2/24/2026