Russia Opens Criminal Investigation into Telegram CEO Over Alleged Terror‑Facilitation
February 24 2026 – Moscow – Russian law‑enforcement agencies have launched a criminal case against Pavel Durov, the founder and chief executive of the messaging platform Telegram. The investigation, announced by the state‑run newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta, is said to be based on material supplied by the Federal Security Service (FSB) and concerns “facilitation of terrorist activities” through the service.
The Kremlin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, confirmed the reports, stating that the FSB is “carrying out its functions” and that the news items stem from the agency’s own documentation.
Background
Telegram, which bills itself as a champion of privacy and free speech, has repeatedly refused to comply with demands from Russia’s communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, to remove content judged illegal or extremist under national law. In early February, Roskomnadzor tightened its restrictions on the messenger, citing an estimated 155 000 channels, chats and bots that the regulator classified as spreading false information, extremist propaganda, drug‑related material or otherwise violating Russian statutes.
According to the state‑affiliated newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda, Telegram has not acted on Roskomnadzor’s list, leaving more than 100 000 channels with alleged disinformation untouched. This non‑cooperation has already placed the platform under the threat of being designated an “extremist” organization – a label that would criminalize activities such as paying for Telegram Premium subscriptions or advertising on the app, as warned by former presidential internet adviser German Klimenko.
Durov’s Response and Wider Context
Pavel Durov has framed the Russian pressure campaign as an attempt to divert users toward a state‑backed messenger called MAX. In a post on his personal channel, he compared the Russian approach to similar efforts in Iran, noting that despite bans, Telegram remains the preferred communication tool for many Iranians. Durov reiterated that “restricting citizens’ freedom is never the right answer” and that Telegram will continue to defend speech and privacy “no matter the pressure.”
The investigation arrives while Durov is already facing legal scrutiny abroad. French authorities detained him in August 2024 in connection with a separate probe, although a travel ban imposed on him was lifted in November 2025.
Potential Impact on the Crypto Ecosystem
Telegram has become a hub for several cryptocurrency‑related projects, most notably the TON ecosystem and its associated payment layer, TON Pay, which aims to enable crypto transactions within the messenger. Should Russian courts label Telegram as extremist, the following repercussions are plausible:
| Effect | What it could mean for crypto users and developers |
|---|---|
| Payments for Telegram Premium | Payments could be treated as illegal transactions, cutting off a revenue stream that funds ongoing development. |
| Advertising and Partnerships | Brands and crypto projects would risk criminal liability for promoting services on the platform. |
| Access for Russian Users | Domestic users may lose the ability to interact with blockchain‑based services hosted on Telegram, curtailing the reach of projects like TON Pay. |
| Regulatory Precedent | A ruling could set a benchmark for other jurisdictions seeking to label foreign tech platforms as extremist, influencing global compliance strategies. |
Analysts note that while Telegram’s user base outside Russia remains robust, a formal extremist designation could encourage the development of alternative, censorship‑resistant communication tools, potentially fragmenting the ecosystem that currently supports many crypto initiatives.
Key Takeaways
- Criminal Probe Initiated: Russian authorities are investigating Pavel Durov for alleged facilitation of terrorism via Telegram, as reported by Rossiyskaya Gazeta and confirmed by the Kremlin.
- Regulatory Pressure Escalates: Roskomnadzor’s crackdown on over 150 000 Telegram channels has heightened the risk of the platform being declared extremist, which would criminalize certain user activities.
- Durov’s Stance: The CEO maintains that restrictions aim to push users toward a state‑run messenger and insists Telegram will uphold freedom of expression.
- Legal Entanglements Abroad: Durov continues to face investigations in France, adding an international dimension to his legal challenges.
- Crypto Implications: An extremist label could jeopardize payment services, advertising, and blockchain projects tied to Telegram, prompting a reassessment of compliance and risk management for crypto businesses operating on the platform.
The situation remains fluid, and stakeholders in the cryptocurrency and messaging sectors are advised to monitor official statements from Russian courts and the FSB for any further developments.
Source: https://cointelegraph.com/news/telegram-ceo-reportedly-under-criminal-probe-in-russia-over-alleged-terrorism-links?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound
