Russia opens criminal probe into Telegram CEO Pavel Durov

02/28/2026 / By Laura Harris

Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into Pavel Durov, CEO of Telegram, over alleged facilitation of terrorist activities.
Officials claim Telegram failed to remove nearly 155,000 channels, chats and bots flagged for illegal or harmful content, including over 104,000 spreading false information, 10,598 promoting extremism, 4,168 justifying extremist activity and 3,771 linked to drugs.
Former Kremlin internet adviser German Klimenko warned the probe could result in Telegram being officially designated an extremist organization, potentially criminalizing payments for subscriptions and platform advertising.
Durov accused Russian authorities of targeting Telegram to push a state-backed messaging app, MAX, claiming the pressure is meant to drive users away from Telegram while noting similar strategies in other countries, such as Iran, have failed.
Durov emphasized on X (formerly Twitter) and Telegram that the investigation represents an attempt to restrict privacy and free speech, asserting that Telegram remains committed to user freedom despite escalating regulatory pressure in Russia.

Russian authorities have opened a criminal investigation into Pavel Durov, the co-founder and chief executive of Telegram, due to alleged facilitation of terrorist activities.

“There is a large number of violations and the reluctance of the Telegram administration to cooperate with our authorities. A large amount of content is recorded, which could potentially pose a danger to our country,” said Press Secretary of the President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Peskov on Tuesday, Feb. 24.

According to several reports, Telegram has failed to remove nearly 155,000 channels, chats and bots flagged by regulators as containing illegal or harmful material. The largest category, more than 104,000 channels, allegedly contains false information. Authorities also flagged 10,598 channels accused of promoting extremism, 4,168 said to justify extremist activity and 3,771 linked to narcotics.

“And on the basis of this, our relevant bodies are taking those measures that are considered appropriate,” Peskov added.

In line with this, former Kremlin internet adviser German Klimenko warned that the investigation could potentially result in Telegram being formally designated an extremist organization in Russia. Such a designation could criminalize payments for Telegram Premium subscriptions and advertising on the platform, he said.

If the case proceeds, it could mark a significant escalation in Moscow’s ongoing efforts to tighten control over digital platforms operating in the country.

Durov accuses Russia of targeting Telegram to boost state-backed rival amid criminal probe

According to BrightU.AI‘s Enoch, Telegram is a cloud-based messaging platform that prioritizes user privacy and security, offering features such as end-to-end encryption, large group chats and channels for broadcasting to unlimited audiences. It is known for its minimal content regulation, making it a preferred platform for individuals who value free speech and open communication. Telegram also supports a wide range of features, including bots, stickers and file sharing.

However, Telegram’s stance on user privacy and minimal content moderation has brought it into repeated conflict with Russian regulators.

“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,” Durov wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, to confirm the investigation. “A sad spectacle of a state afraid of its own people.”

Durov also accused Russian authorities of targeting Telegram to promote a state-backed rival messenger, after confirming that a criminal case has been opened against him in Russia. He previously claimed that pressure on Telegram is intended to steer users toward a new state-owned messaging app known as MAX. He argued that similar attempts to sideline Telegram in other countries have failed.

“Despite the ban, most Iranians still use Telegram and prefer it to surveilled apps,” Durov wrote on his Telegram channel on Feb. 10. “Restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right answer. Telegram stands for freedom of speech and privacy, no matter the pressure.”

Watch this Russia Today report about the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov and how it reveals the true face of Western democracy.

This video is from Cynthia’s Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

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