Russia opens criminal case into Telegram founder Pavel Durov
The Guardian World
by Pjotr SauerFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Russia has opened a criminal investigation into Pavel Durov, the founder of the popular messaging app Telegram, on charges of “abetting terrorist activities.” The case, reported by the state newspaper *Rossiyskaya Gazeta*, is based on materials from Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), which accuses Telegram of being compromised by Western and Ukrainian intelligence. This move escalates the ongoing tension between the Kremlin and Telegram, as Russia seeks to shift users toward its own state-controlled messaging app.
Telegram has long been a thorn in the side of Russian authorities due to its role as a platform for independent communication and information sharing, often bypassing traditional media channels. Durov, who was forced out of his company during a previous run-in with Russian officials, has frequently
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026