Russia has placed Telegram founder Pavel Durov on its international wanted list after accusing him of facilitating terrorist activities through the messaging platform. The development marks a major escalation in the Kremlin's long-running dispute with Telegram over content moderation and user privacy.

Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) announced that Durov is being investigated under Part 1.1 of Article 205.1 of the Russian Criminal Code, which relates to aiding or facilitating terrorist activity. If convicted, the 41-year-old entrepreneur could face life imprisonment under Russian law.

FSB Alleges Telegram Enabled Terror Activities

According to the FSB, the case centres on Telegram's alleged failure to remove channels, chat groups and automated bots that Russian authorities claim were used by hostile organisations.

Investigators alleged that Ukrainian intelligence-linked groups and extremist organisations used the platform to coordinate sabotage, cyber fraud and attacks inside Russia.

The agency also claimed that a Telegram chatbot known as Dayvinchik was allegedly used to recruit young Russians between the ages of 12 and 22 to participate in arson attacks and assaults on law enforcement personnel.

Russian authorities said they have detained 46 individuals across 10 regions since July 2025 in connection with the alleged recruitment network.

Long-Running Conflict With Kremlin

The latest charges add to Durov's years-long confrontation with Russian authorities.

Durov left Russia in 2014 after refusing government demands to hand over user data and subsequently sold his stake in the country's largest social networking platform, VKontakte (VK).

He currently resides in Dubai and holds French and UAE citizenship.

Earlier this year, Durov revealed that Russian authorities had quietly opened a criminal investigation against him. At the time, he accused the Kremlin of attempting to restrict Telegram and undermine users' privacy.

He also alleged that Russian authorities were increasingly targeting encrypted communication platforms under the pretext of national security.

Telegram Faces Legal Pressure Beyond Russia

The Russian case comes while Durov continues to face legal scrutiny in Europe.

In 2024, French authorities arrested him in Paris and initiated multiple investigations related to Telegram's alleged failure to adequately moderate content connected to drug trafficking, money laundering and child sexual abuse material.

After several months under judicial supervision in France, Durov returned to Dubai in early 2025.

Extradition Appears Unlikely

Although Russia has issued an international wanted notice, legal experts believe extradition may prove difficult.

As a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, where he currently resides, Durov is unlikely to be extradited to Russia unless he travels to a country that has an extradition agreement with Moscow.

Neither Telegram nor Pavel Durov has issued an official statement responding to the latest Russian charges.