Russia opens terrorism case against Telegram founder Durov

Russia has opened criminal proceedings against Telegram founder Pavel Durov on suspicion of aiding terrorist activities, the state newspaper Rossijskaya Gazeta reported, citing material from the Federal Security Service, or FSB. According to the report, the investigation is being conducted under Article 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code.

Durov did not immediately comment on the allegations. Telegram has recently rejected claims from Moscow that the platform serves as a haven for criminal activity or is influenced by Western or Ukrainian intelligence services.

Telegram, which says it has more than one billion active users, is also subject to regulatory restrictions in Russia.

The authorities accuse the platform of failing to remove extremist content. At the same time, Moscow appears to be encouraging users to switch to the domestic MAX app, launched last year.

(reuters, pir)