Russia has charged Telegram founder Pavel Durov with facilitating terrorist activity and placed him on an international wanted list. However, his name did not appear in the public Interpol Red Notice database after the announcement.
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The Federal Security Service said Ukrainian intelligence, extremist groups and terrorist organisations used Telegram to recruit operatives, coordinate attacks and run cyber fraud schemes inside Russia. Authorities claim the platform failed to remove the related accounts and services.
Interfax reported that Russia had placed Durov on an international wanted list, although the FSB did not identify the database or system involved. A public Interpol search did not show an active Red Notice for Durov after the announcement.
Telegram responded through its official X account with an image of Durov making an obscene hand gesture.
Russian authorities opened the case earlier in 2026. Durov said in February that the investigation formed part of an effort to restrict Telegram access in Russia.
He wrote:
“Each day, the authorities fabricate new pretexts to restrict Russians’ access to Telegram as they seek to suppress the right to privacy and free speech.”
Telegram remains widely used by Russian officials, military commentators, opposition groups and independent media. That reach has made the platform both an important communication service and a recurring target for government controls.
Durov also faces a separate French investigation over alleged criminal activity conducted through Telegram and claims that the platform failed to cooperate adequately with law enforcement.
French authorities arrested him in August 2024 and later placed him under judicial supervision. His travel ban was fully removed in November 2025, although the underlying investigation continues.
The Russian case focuses on alleged assistance to terrorism, while the French proceedings cover platform moderation, illegal content and cooperation with investigators.