Russian authorities have opened a criminal investigation into Telegram founder Pavel Durov, accusing him of aiding terrorist activity. The move puts Telegram back under intense scrutiny and renews debate over how encrypted communication platforms handle illegal content, privacy, and state security demands.
Probe centers on content distribution and removal orders
According to Russian media reports citing security sources, the case is being pursued under Article 205.1, Part 1.1 of the Russian Criminal Code, which concerns assistance related to terrorist activity. The reported focus is Telegram’s alleged role in distributing illegal information and its failure to remove channels and chat groups that Russian regulators had classified as unlawful.
Russia’s Federal Security Service, or FSB, and communications regulator Roskomnadzor (RKN) said some of the material involved extremist and terrorist organization content. They also claimed the platform had been used to organize and facilitate criminal acts. Since summer 2025, RKN has gradually imposed restrictions on Telegram, citing a rise in fraud cases. In February 2026, authorities tightened traffic-throttling measures, saying the platform had not fully complied with Russian law.
Long-running conflict with Moscow has resurfaced
This is not the first major clash between Telegram and the Russian government. In 2018, a Moscow court ordered the service to be blocked after the company refused to hand over encryption keys. At the time, law enforcement agencies said the refusal posed a threat to national security. The ban was lifted in 2020, with officials saying the change was linked to stronger counterterrorism cooperation from the platform.
Since then, Telegram’s relationship with Russian regulators has swung between confrontation and negotiation. Durov has previously said that Telegram is built around freedom of speech and privacy protection, while also stating that a balance between privacy and security is necessary.
Pressure extends beyond Russia
The regulatory pressure surrounding Durov is not limited to Russia. The source material notes that in 2024, he was detained in France in connection with a cybercrime investigation, and the case remains at an early stage. At the same time, the European Union has been advancing the proposed “Chat Control” legislation, which would require messaging platforms to use artificial intelligence to scan private messages, triggering strong privacy concerns.
From Russia’s criminal investigation to European scrutiny of encrypted messaging services, Telegram remains a central target in broader fights over platform accountability. Based on the available reporting, the current Russian case is focused on whether Telegram complied with orders to remove content deemed illegal and how far platform obligations extend in counterterrorism enforcement.